The dramatic rescue of an 11-month-old baby from a fentanyl overdose by New York police and first responders was captured on bodycam video. The child, identified only as John Doe, was found unresponsive in a Lake Grove home. Thanks to the quick actions of the responders, including the use of Narcan, the child was saved and began crying, a positive sign. The child’s father, a 35-year-old man from Lake Grove, is now facing charges of child abuse, endangerment, and possession of a controlled substance.
Meanwhile, an unrelated woman died from the same batch of drugs that the child had ingested. The father’s alleged drug dealer, Robert Mauro, has been charged with her death, as well as with a variety of drug-related offenses and evidence tampering. Police were able to identify Mauro as the suspected supplier of the drugs through the father’s phone. A separate investigation into the woman’s death led police to uncover evidence of a drug deal involving Mauro on her phone as well.
Mauro was arrested after police executed a search warrant at his house in Miller Place. During the search, he attempted to dispose of evidence by throwing it out of a window, but police were able to recover it. Prosecutors allege that Mauro was fully aware of the potency of the drugs he was selling, as evidenced by a conversation in which he claimed to have been “knocked out” for hours after taking them himself. Both the father and Mauro are currently in custody without bail awaiting trial.
The release of the dramatic bodycam footage has shed light on the opioid crisis and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and communities. The video highlights the importance of access to Narcan and the quick response of first responders in saving lives during overdose situations. The case also underscores the interconnected nature of drug trafficking and the tragic consequences that can result from the illegal distribution of dangerous substances.
District Attorney Ray Tierney’s office has emphasized the seriousness of the charges faced by the father and Mauro, seeking to hold them accountable for their roles in the child’s overdose and the woman’s death. The case serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, and the urgent need for continued efforts to combat drug trafficking and prevent overdoses. By bringing these individuals to justice, law enforcement officials are working to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
