By: Richard L. Smith
East Orange police continue to investigate an incident that sent emergency responders to the East Orange YMCA summer camp after several children became ill Thursday morning when they reportedly consumed a candy-like substance distributed by another camper.
According to the East Orange Police Department, officers responded shortly after 11 a.m. on July 23 to the YMCA on North Arlington Avenue after receiving reports that multiple campers had ingested what investigators believe were suspected mushroom-laced edible products.
The preliminary investigation determined that a camper was seen handing out what appeared to be candy to other children, an action prohibited under YMCA camp policy.
A short time later, one child complained of feeling ill, followed by 12 additional campers who reported experiencing similar symptoms.
Emergency medical personnel evaluated all 13 children, who range in age from 10 to 13 years old.
Authorities said the campers were found to be in stable condition. One child was transported to University Hospital as a precaution because of a pre-existing medical condition, while the remaining children were released to their parents.
In a statement provided to RLS Media, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges confirmed the incident and said staff acted immediately after noticing campers experiencing adverse reactions.
“Yesterday, a camper at our East Orange YMCA camp shared a substance resembling candy with other campers without our knowledge,” the YMCA said. “Later, when staff noticed campers having an adverse reaction to the substance, we immediately enacted our emergency protocols, contacting emergency services, parents and the police.”
The organization said it is fully cooperating with the East Orange Police Department’s investigation and emphasized that campers are prohibited from sharing food or snacks with one another.
“The safety of every child in our care is our highest priority,” said Richard K. Gorab, President and CEO of Association Services for the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges. “Out of respect for the privacy of the families involved, we will not be sharing further details about the children or circumstances of the investigation.”
Police said a suspect has been identified, but no charges have been filed as detectives continue working to determine how the suspected mushroom-laced edibles came into the possession of a juvenile and whether any criminal offenses were committed.
“This incident is deeply concerning, particularly because it involves the safety and well-being of children,” said East Orange Police Chief Phyllis L. Bindi. “The East Orange Police Department takes incidents involving suspected controlled substances extremely seriously. Our detectives are conducting a thorough investigation to determine exactly what occurred, how these suspected edibles came into the possession of a juvenile, and whether any criminal offenses were committed. We are working closely with our partners to ensure the safety of our youth and to hold anyone responsible accountable under the law.”
Authorities are reminding parents and guardians to talk with their children about the dangers of accepting food, candy, or other products from unknown sources.
Police noted that edibles containing mushrooms or other controlled substances can closely resemble commercially available candy, making them especially dangerous for children.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the East Orange Police Department at 973-266-5000.