Police arrested 18-year-olds Harley Blake and Michael Bull Jr. on Thursday after responding to reports of child neglect to find cigarette burns and marijuana residue on their 7-month-old son's blankets.
According to a police report, the boy was born with narcotics in his body and suffers from severe health issues. He is unable to eat or drink anything because his digestive system does not function. He also has multiple tubes connected to his body that provide him with essential fluids and nutrients.
The boy had an extended stay in a Pittsburgh hospital following his birth and, because of the presence of narcotics in his body, was given to Pennsylvania child protective services. Blake and Bull eventually were granted custody of the boy and were residing with him at an Eagle Court apartment when accounts of gross child neglect reached police.
Officers executing a search warrant at the residence Thursday reportedly saw ashtrays full of cigarette butts, as well as evidence that indicated Blake and Bull had been using marijuana in their son's presence. Police also received a report that Blake and Bull, as well as another man, were smoking marijuana in the living room while the boy was in his bedroom.
Following their arrest, Ohio County Magistrate Charles Murphy arraigned Bull and Blake on felony charges of child neglect and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. As of late Friday, Bull and Blake remained in the Northern Regional Jail in Moundsville, each in lieu of $25,000 bond.
Wheeling Deputy Police Chief Martin Kimball on Friday said the infant was flown by medical helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital following his parents' arrest. His condition was not known.
