WASHOE COUNTY, Nev. — A Washoe County man has been arrested after his 9-month-old infant was hospitalized and tested positive for several dangerous drugs, including methamphetamine, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates.
Deputies from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office responded to Renown Regional Medical Center in the early hours of September 20 after receiving a report about the infant’s condition. Hospital staff had performed CPR before stabilizing the child, who was then admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in stable condition.
Despite the life-threatening exposure, authorities say the child is now recovering under close medical supervision.
The child’s father, Dwayne Turner, reportedly fled the hospital when approached by staff but later returned and was questioned by detectives. During the investigation, deputies recovered drug paraphernalia and various controlled substances.
Turner was arrested and booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility on multiple charges, including:
First-degree child abuse and neglect
Possession of a controlled substance
Possession of a dangerous drug without a prescription
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Failure to register as a convicted person
Sheriff Darin Balaam called the situation “incredibly tragic and disturbing,” thanking medical staff and deputies for their swift actions to save the child and ensure their safety. “No child should ever be exposed to such dangers,” Balaam said.
Child Protective Services has been notified and is now involved in the case. The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s drug exposure.
