Woman cited for child abuse after drug overdose

Published 3:53 pm Wednesday, August 30, 2017

By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A Salisbury woman was issued a citation for child abuse after her husband found her unconscious from a drug overdose at a local motel, according to the Salisbury Police Department.

The couple’s two young children were in the room at the time, police officials said.

Police cited Sabrina Diane Proffitt, 31, for misdemeanor child abuse.

Officers were called shortly before 3 p.m. Monday to the Economy Inn motel, 319 Bendix Drive, to investigate an overdose in Room 107.

The father performed CPR on the mother before authorities arrived. The woman was breathing when rescue crews arrived and administered Narcan, a prescription drug used to reverse the effects of narcotics overdoses.

Proffitt was found in the bathroom, and a needle and heroin residue were found in the sink, according to police Capt. Shelia Lingle.

EMS personnel tried to take Proffitt to Novant Health Rowan Medical Center for monitoring, but she refused further care.

Lingle said the children, ages 5 and 9, were found to be dirty and not enrolled in school. The Rowan County Department of Social Services was called.

Lingle said the family was living at the extended-stay motel. The children were released in the father’s custody.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.