Toddler Suffered Cocaine Overdose While on Jersey Shore Vacation

Toddler Suffered Cocaine Overdose While on Jersey Shore Vacation

WILDWOOD, N.J. — A Ringwood man is facing drug-related and child endangerment charges after a 2-year-old boy was hospitalized following an apparent cocaine overdose, authorities said.

According to a joint statement from Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Wildwood Police Chief Joseph Murphy, the North Wildwood Fire Department responded on July 20 to a vehicle near 21st and New Jersey avenues after receiving a report of a sick toddler.

Officials said Alexander T. Moles, 39, was behind the wheel and transporting the child to the hospital after the boy began experiencing trouble breathing.

Officials said emergency medical personnel administered two doses of Narcan to the child, who responded to the medication before being transported to Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional for additional care.

Authorities said initial blood testing revealed the toddler had cocaine in his system.

Investigators determined that Moles was staying at a Wildwood vacation rental when the child became sick, according to officials.

The relationship between Moles and the child has not been disclosed.

On July 21, Moles was charged with child endangerment, cocaine possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of prescription legend drugs.

He was initially lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Facility but was later released under certain conditions following a detention hearing on July 24.