A Kokomo couple is facing serious felony charges after investigators say their 4-year-old child nearly died from accidentally ingesting methadone. According to court records, emergency crews revived the child with naloxone and the boy later required intensive care at a children's hospital. Arrest warrants were issued in Hamilton County, with bond set at $50,000 for each parent.
What Investigators Say Happened
Police were called on May 4 to a Noblesville gas station when the child began showing signs of an opioid overdose. Medics administered Narcan at the scene, and the boy was first taken to a hospital in Fishers, then transferred to a children's hospital for life-threatening care, according to Fox59.
Court documents cited in that reporting say surveillance video shows the child and Michael and Brittany Long stopping at a bank, then pulling into the Noblesville gas station. The family remained there for about five minutes before 911 was called.
Charges And Legal Context
Michael Long, 44, and Brittany Long, 36, are each charged with two counts of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, Level 3 felonies, along with an additional Level 6 neglect count, according to court records. Under Indiana law, neglect of a dependent covers a wide range of conduct and can be elevated to more serious felony levels when a child suffers serious bodily injury or catastrophic harm.
The statute lays out the specific gradations and potential penalties. For a legal breakdown of the law, see FindLaw for a summary of IC 35-46-1-4.
What The Child Reportedly Told Investigators
According to court documents referenced in the Fox59 report, the child told law enforcement he “drank something red that was on the kitchen counter” and described it as “yucky.” He also said the liquid “made his belly feel bad,” and that Michael Long “put stuff in his nose” after he drank it.
A family member told investigators that Michael Long kept Narcan at his home and that it had already been used on the child before they left for Noblesville, according to the court filings.
Methadone Risks And Overdose Response
Methadone is a long-acting opioid prescribed for pain and for medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder. Even a small accidental dose can be life-threatening for a young child. Naloxone, often known by the brand name Narcan, can temporarily reverse opioid effects until emergency care is provided.
Health authorities advise that take-home opioid medications be locked or otherwise secured and that naloxone be kept on hand in homes where opioids are present. Guidance on overdose prevention and response is available from SAMHSA.
What Comes Next In The Case
The Hamilton County case against Michael and Brittany Long remains pending as prosecutors review the court records. Bond for each parent has been set at $50,000, and the matter will move through the Hamilton County court system as officials and the prosecutor's office determine the next steps.
