Tent-dwelling parents arrested after 1-year-old shows up at hospital on meth: Cops

A mother and father in Porterville, Calif., were arrested this week on suspicion of providing their young son access to narcotics.

According to The Fresno Bee, a family member brought the 1-year-old boy to the Sierra View Medical Center emergency room, where an exam revealed the child had ingested methamphetamine.

Authorities confirmed the child was transported to the hospital around 4 a.m. Tuesday, but did not specify who drove the child.

Police responded to the given address and reportedly found the parents, Amanda Gagnon, 25, and Joel Vasquez, 33, living in a tent with their 2-year-old child.

“My understanding is the parents had the option to take the child to be treated and chose not to,” Porterville Police Sgt. Rick Carillo said, according to KTRK.

Police reports indicate the parents were on drugs when officers arrived to question them.

In addition to the younger child, the couple’s 2-year-old was also taken to the hospital for treatment.

Both children were subsequently released into the care of Child Welfare Services.

KMPH reported officers arrested Gagnon and Vasquez without incident Tuesday.

As KTRK noted, both suspects have criminal records.

Vasquez has a total seven misdemeanors, which include several related to drugs. Gagnon has been convicted of felonies including theft and possession of drugs.

Both were booked into Tulare County Jail with bail set at $100,000. They remained in jail as of the latest reports available.

KFSN reported they face charges related to child abuse and drug possession.

[Featured image: Tulare County Sheriff’s Office]