Police have charged a Hixson woman with several counts after finding illegal drugs within reach of her two sons, ages 8 and 9.
Crystal Hammond, 29, of 4518 Hixson Pike, is charged with two counts of reckless endangerment, two counts of child abuse and neglect, two counts of possession of controlled substances, possession of drugs for resale and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Officers said they went to the apartment of Ms. Hammond on Monday on a medical call. One of the sons called for help when his mother fell. Officers said she appeared to be on a meth high.
While looking for her medication, officers said they found prescription bottles around the apartment, a glass pipe that smelled of marijuana, burnt cigar papers that smelled of marijuana, and pills outside a bottle.
After Ms. Hammond was taken to the hospital, the children said their step-father is CJ Masengale. Masengale arrived and told officers to leave, saying that "Crystal wants you out."
Police obtained a search warrant and found additional narcotics and drug paraphernalia in the unit.
Officers said, "Many of the items found were and could have been within reach of the children. The children could have touched or ingested these items and caused bodily harm or death."
The children were placed with Child Protective Services.