Heroin overdose leads to child endangerment charge

An adult female who overdosed on heroin while caring for two children, ages 6 and 2, has been arrested on charges related to the incident. On May 28 around 4 p.m., Hoover Police and Fire Department personnel responded to a report of an unconscious female inside a residence at Waterford at Riverchase Apartments. A family member called 911 after returning home and discovering the victim unconscious, and realizing that her medical emergency was heroin related.

Responding officers determined that the overdose victim was the only adult caregiver present for the children, while the other adult was away from the apartment. The 6-year-old child discovered the victim unconscious and attempted to wake her. He also attempted CPR (chest compressions) that he learned from watching television. Still unable to wake her, he went to an apartment next door to attempt to get help but no one was home. He then waited on the porch for the other adult to arrive back at the apartment. The victim was treated by Hoover Fire Department paramedics and then transported to a local hospital.

Investigating officers discovered a small baggy of heroin, two baggies of crack cocaine and syringes, all in close proximity to the victim. On June 5, detectives obtained warrants for this subjects arrest. She is charged with the following:

Victoria Nacole Newman, 36, Hoover

• Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance: $5,000 Bond        
• Chemical Endangerment of a Child: $15,000 Bond      
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: $300 Bond       

Hoover officers arrested Newman on Friday, June 5 at a residence in the 2400 block of Regent Lane. She was booked into the Hoover City Jail and then transferred to the Jefferson County Jail in Birmingham.