The parents of a 6-year-old boy in Akron have been charged for their alleged role in his death.
Last week, EMS was called to a home in the 700 block of Moraine Avenue for reports of an unresponsive child.
According to police, his parents provided CPR until EMS arrived. He was then transported to Akron Children's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The parents have been charged with felony child endangering. They were arrested June 6 and taken to Summit County Jail.
According to an affidavit, the parents "created a substantial risk to the health of the child by violating his duty of care while he was in their custody by exposing him to lethal levels of fentanyl in their house causing his death."
The Summit County Medical Examiner's office said a cause of death is still pending as it awaits toxicology results.
We have chosen not to reveal the names of the parents at this time as we await additional information.
According to a police report, other children at the home were turned over to Summit County Children Services due to poor living conditions, including trash throughout the house.
Summit County Children Services issued the following statement:
"Assessment of safety and risk is an ongoing process that begins with the acceptance of an intake report. In general, young children are especially susceptible to the effects of opioids, dangerous drugs and/or other toxic substances. They are vulnerable due to their inability to self-protect and their total reliance on their parent or caregiver to keep them safe. Substance use is one of many factors assessed related to safety. Best practices that reflect a coordinated, multi-faceted approach to servicing a family are employed."
