HOPEWELL, Va. -- A house full of children under the age of eight in Hopewell were rushed to the hospital and treated for an overdose on Wednesday night.
Around 5:30 p.m., Hopewell Police were called to 100 South 16th Street where four children — ages one, two, three and four — were found unresponsive.
Three more kids were found in a different part of the apartment. These children were awake, but were lethargic.
At this time, investigators believe that a seven-year-old child gave the children his sleeping pills.
"They were left unsupervised for a short period of time and one of the kids that have prescription medication got into it and shared with the other children here," Lt. Cheyenne Casale with the Hopewell Police said.
Investigators said the pill bottle found didn't have a label on it. However, after questioning the seven-year-old and consulting with doctors, they were able to determine that sleeping pills are the focal point.
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All seven children were taken to John Randolph Hospital. Since then, the two youngest children were transported to another hospital in serious condition.
"I don't know the details of their treatment but some are being transported to other hospitals for further treatment," Casale said.
The adult who was supervising the children left to go to a corner store and returned to find the children in the condition they were in. This adult then called 911, according to police.
Holding back tears, Melissa Baldwin said what played out next door on Wednesday night next to her mother's house is difficult to comprehend.
"As soon as we pulled around the corner, all I could see was police everywhere. And I'm like, oh my god, what happened? We didn't see them taking anybody in the ambulance, we missed that part, but a close neighbor basically was telling us how even the police officers were helping bringing out the children and running them to the ambulances and such," Baldwin said.
Hopewell Police are in the early stages of what could be a complicated and lengthy investigation.
"Find out who are we going to hold accountable and get these kids in a safe environment, that's our number one goal," Casale said.
Child Protective Services are involved at this time.
Crime Insider sources said that there were less than desirable living conditions at the home.
This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.
