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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Child hospitalized in near-drowning

A 4-year-old boy was in serious condition Thursday evening after almost drowning in a bathtub in the East Central neighborhood.

Police are investigating, and found marijuana in the home, said Spokane police spokesman Dick Cottam.

Emergency crews were called to the rental home, 2007 E. Sixth Ave., about 12:40 p.m. by the boy’s mother, who thought he had died, Cottam said.

Jolene Van Curler, who lives across the street from the address, said the boy appeared lifeless when a medic brought the boy in his arms to an ambulance.

He was taken to a hospital and placed in a pediatric intensive care unit, Cottam said.

Names of those who live in the home were not released Thursday.

Neighbor Christine Munganyinka said the family – the mother, her fiancé, and two children – has lived in the home for about a year. The child who nearly drowned is blind, she said.

During the rescue effort, police saw evidence that marijuana was in the home and executed a search warrant, Cottam said. The drug was located and taken into evidence.

No arrests had been made as of Thursday evening, Cottam said.

Van Curler, Munganyinka and another neighbor, Keith Allen, said the family caused no problems.

“They’ve been quiet neighbors,” Allen said.