AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin police have arrested a woman accused of overdosing on heroin while her 10-month-old child was present.
Selina Surita Hernandez, 32, was arrested after police say they reported to a scene on April 19 to the Courtyard Mariott Hotel on 300 E. Fourth St. where they found her unconscious and barely breathing. According to an arrest warrant, two men were present in the hotel, one of them holding a 10-month-old child wearing a soggy diaper.
One of the men told police he saw Hernandez inject heroin. Both men told police they didn’t know Hernandez’s last name.
During investigation, police discovered the child’s carseat, which was soaked in urine. Officers attempted to change the victim’s pamper and clothing, but the only clothing that was there smelled of urine and mold, they say.
Hernandez was transported to Dell Seton Medical Center for treatment. At the hospital, it was discovered that the child had a pre-existing seizure condition she had been treated for in the past month. The medication for that condition was found in a hotel safe with methamphetamine and heroin next to it.
CPS immediately removed the child from Hernandez’s custody and placed her in foster care. A CPS caseworker told police that when she visited Hernandez that she didn’t ask about her child, where the girl was or what condition she was in.
Hernandez is facing a felony charge of endangering a child and her bond is set at $10,000. Additionally, she must follow Child Protect Services directives and submit to random urinalysis tests.
