Crime & Safety

Police: 5-Month-Old in Car as Parents Arrested For Heroin Possession

Parents had a significant amount of heroin in a vehicle with their child in Ronkonkoma, police say.

Two people were arrested Tuesday afternoon in Ronkonkoma after police discovered "a large quantity of heroin" in their car, which was also occupied by their 5-month-old son, police said. 

Police said Fourth Precinct detectives, responding to specific community complaints of drug activity in Ronkonkoma, observed a vehicle committing numerous traffic infractions around 1:25 p.m.  

Upon approaching the vehicle on Expressway Drive North, the officers noted a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle, police said.

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The passenger in the vehicle indicated that he had just smoked marijuana, police said. Further investigation revealed that the parents were in possession of a large quantity of heroin and their 5-month-old son was in the car, police said. 

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Nicholas Hernandez, 21, of Islip, is charged with third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fourth degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, two counts of criminal contempt and endangering the welfare of a child.  

The woman, whose name was withheld by police "as she is the victim of domestic violence," is charged with third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fourth degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, endangering the welfare of a child, second degree criminal impersonation and numerous traffic violations.  

The infant was released to family members and Suffolk County Child Protective Services was notified, police said. 


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