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Toddler rushed to hospital after fentanyl overdose, parents facing charges

The 22-month-old was rushed to the hospital after being given Narcan by EMTs, officials said.

STANLY COUNTY, N.C. — The parents of a Stanly County toddler who overdosed on fentanyl are facing charges, deputies said. 

Emergency personnel were called to a home in the Misenheimer community Wednesday for a 22-month-old child that was having trouble breathing. When first responders arrived, they reported that the child was showing the signs of an opiate overdose and administered Narcan to the child, who was later taken to Atrium Health Cabarrus for evaluation. 

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The Stanly County Sheriff's Office was contacted about the incident and deputies immediately launched an investigation, which led them to the discovery of a possible source for the overdose. 

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The parents of the child are now facing multiple charges in connection with the incident. The child's mother, Shiann Denise Hartsell, was charged with felony child abuse, possession of a controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for the use of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Deputies also charged Justin Allen Hopkins with felony child abuse, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm by a felon and maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for the use of controlled substances. 

Both suspects are being held in the Stanly County Jail. 

Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.  

WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings. 

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