4-year-old found unresponsive at East Flatbush shelter dies; parents questioned
Officers also found drugs at the scene and administered Narcan twice, but it was ineffective.
A 4-year-old child who was found unresponsive at a shelter in East Flatbush has died, police said.
Authorities responded to a report of child abuse at the shelter Tuesday morning and discovered bruising on the child's stomach, according to police sources.
Officers also found drugs at the scene and administered Narcan twice, but it was ineffective.
The child was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The child's parents were on the scene and taken in for questioning, but no arrests have been made, police said.
Residents at the shelter expressed shock and grief over the child's death.
"It's sad because why do you have that in the presence of a child or in here, period," said one resident, who declined to be identified.
Sharon Walker, a teacher who works with children at the shelter, said she was surprised by the incident.
"Usually, it's decent, to be honest," Walker said. "There are rules and regulations and strictness."
Christopher Correa, a parent staying at the shelter, said the facility has been a source of support for families like his.
"This shelter provides for families like myself," Correa said. "This is the first time I've heard about this kind of situation. It's very sad."
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is investigating the cause of death. Police have not confirmed whether the child was exposed to any substances.
A spokesperson for the Department of Social Services said the agency will conduct a thorough investigation alongside law enforcement.
