Nashville mother arrested after baby allegedly overdoses on fentanyl

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The mother of an 8-month-old baby was arrested Thursday after Metro Nashville police said the child overdosed on fentanyl.

The baby was brought to Centennial Pediatrics around 4:30 a.m. on Sept. 7 due to a “drug exposure,” an arrest affidavit stated. While on scene, officials said EMS performed CPR and gave Narcan to the 8-month-old, which “was able to bring the child back to life.”

The child’s mother, 25-year-old Shanella Mateen, told investigators she had dropped the baby off at her house “with the kids” around 10:30 p.m. and had visitors until a little after midnight. However, she reportedly denied having knowledge of anyone doing drugs at the home.

Authorities said they were later able to confirm the 8-month-old had tested positive for fentanyl. Despite currently being pregnant, Mateen reportedly admitted to smoking marijuana “from time to time.” A sample of the mother’s urine also tested positive for fentanyl, police reported.

When officers went to the family’s home, they said they observed “a plate of a powder substance” on a table where the baby had been sleeping, along with his other two siblings. Another “powdery substance” was reportedly found in the kitchen with a cut up straw.

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While there, detectives also collected a piece of paper that they said the baby had put in its mouth. A lab analysis confirmed the paper tested positive for fentanyl, according to the affidavit.

Following the investigation, Mateen was arrested and charged with four counts of aggravated child abuse. As of Friday, Sept. 13, she was still behind bars with a $200,000 bond.

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