Local juvenile found unconscious, barely alive, Bishop woman arrested for possible child endangerment

March 5, 2012

A Bishop woman was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment after a juvenile was found at a local party spot unconscious, barely breathing, and suffering from hypothermia, after consuming a vast quantity of alcohol that the woman bought.

On Feb. 29, Sheila Reid, 39, was arrested for felony child endangerment and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. If convicted of child endangerment, Reid could face up to six years in state prison with mandatory probation. If convicted of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, Reid could face up to a year in county jail. 

Her arrest occurred after an Inyo County Sheriff’s Department Deputy located an unconscious juvenile on the floorboard of a truck parked in the desert at a known local party spot on Feb. 24. 

By the time the juvenile was admitted to Northern Inyo Hospital, the juvenile was suffering from hypothermia, alcohol poisoning, and was unable to keep his/her airway open due to the extreme level of intoxication.

The juvenile’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was 0.3%, nearly four times the legal driving limit. After further investigation and interviews, information was provided about who purchased the alcohol the juvenile consumed on that evening.

The Inyo County Sheriff’s Department wants to remind the public that contributing to a minor has serious consequences. Severe alcohol poisoning can be fatal and even if the victim lives, an alcohol overdose can lead to irreversible brain damage.

If there is any suspicion that someone has overdosed on alcohol it is imperative that you call 911.