An Owensboro man is facing multiple felony charges following an investigation that began when a three-year-old child was hospitalized in critical condition due to methamphetamine exposure.
On Saturday evening, Kentucky State Police was contacted by Owensboro Regional Health Hospital regarding a three-year-old child who tested positive for methamphetamine.
“Due to the severity of the child’s condition, the victim was transported to Norton’s Children’s Hospital in Louisville for specialized care,” state police said in a press release.
During the investigation at the hospital, troopers detained the child’s father, 43-year-old Gary D. Walker, of Owensboro, after he was found to have synthetic urine concealed in his undergarments, allegedly intended to alter a drug test, according to state police.
A subsequent search of Walker’s vehicle yielded a “small metal vial containing a white residue,” state police said.
Based on the investigation’s findings, troopers executed a search warrant in the early hours of Sunday at Walker’s residence on Danberry Street in Owensboro. During the search, investigators located approximately five grams of methamphetamine, marijuana and various drug paraphernalia.
Walker was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine, drug unspecified), second-degree criminal simulation, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The suspect has not yet been charged for allowing the toddler to be exposed to methamphetamine, as state police said the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s exposure to the drug remains active.
Walker was lodged in the Daviess County Detention Center.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
