A 27-year-old Baton Rouge woman faces charges after her 14-month-old son was hospitalized with a blood-alcohol content nearly four times the legal driving limit. Genesis Harrell is accused of cruelty to juveniles in the May incident.
The incident occurred on May 18 at an apartment complex on Longridge Avenue. Harrell called 911 after her son went limp and did not improve following a nap. She told police the child had eaten breakfast earlier that day.
At Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital, tests showed the boy had a blood-alcohol content of 0.305 percent. He was diagnosed with alcohol intoxication along with acute respiratory failure, hypoxia and hypercapnia. Medical staff said intervention likely prevented respiratory arrest, brain injury or death.
Harrell said alcohol in the home was secured and inaccessible to the child but could not explain how he ingested it. She declined further questions from investigators. Her boyfriend was present but not responsible for the child, according to the arrest warrant.
Harrell is held without bond at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. The toddler is in state custody and remains in pediatric intensive care.