Man Arrested After Fleeing NYC Day Care Where Suspected Drug Exposure Caused Child’s Death

A man who escaped from a New York City day care center where a child died due to suspected drug exposure has been apprehended in California. Authorities have revealed that he now faces federal drug charges.

Felix Herrera Garcia, 34, was being sought by law enforcement for nearly two weeks following the incident at a Bronx day care center. Four children were found exhibiting signs of fentanyl exposure, and tragically, a 1-year-old boy lost his life.

According to authorities, the day care center was allegedly hosting a drug operation, with drugs including fentanyl stored in the facility, even on playmats used by the children. Furthermore, during a subsequent search, a hidden compartment was discovered containing packages of drugs and related paraphernalia.

The criminal complaint against Herrera Garcia states that his wife, Grei Mendez, who operated the day care center, called him on the afternoon of September 15 before contacting emergency services. Herrera Garcia then arrived at the apartment where the children were. Surveillance footage captured him leaving the apartment later, carrying two full shopping bags.

Herrera Garcia was taken into custody by Mexican authorities in collaboration with U.S. law enforcement. He was arrested upon entry into California and is now expected to appear in a federal court there. The potential penalty he may face is life imprisonment.

Three other individuals have already been charged in connection with this case. Last week, Mendez and Carlisto Acevedeo Brito were charged with murder, and on Monday, Renny Antonio Parra Paredes was charged with narcotics distribution resulting in death.