Caldwell County Woman Charged After Suspected Child Overdose

A 9-month-old infant is in a Charlotte-area hospital after an apparent drug overdose and injuries consistent with a dog bite. Authorities say lifesaving efforts by Gamewell firefighters were crucial in stabilizing the child before transport.

Firefighters administered emergency care and quickly transferred the child to a nearby hospital. Further examination revealed the child had also been bitten by the family dog.

The child’s mother, Hali Ann Nichols, age 33 of the Playmore Beach Rd, has been taken into custody and charged with Felony Child Abuse and is in the Caldwell Detention Center under a $200,000 secured bond.

Child Protective Services and local law enforcement are conducting a joint investigation.