One arrested after toddler overdoses in Dexter

DEXTER, Mo. -- Dexter police are investigating an incident that left a 16-month-old baby in medical treatment for a drug overdose.

One arrest has already been made and further charges are expected.

According to a Friday news release by Det. Cory Mills of the Dexter Police Department, on Wednesday officers responded to Missouri Southern Healthcare in reference to a possible overdose involving a baby.

The victim was transported to the hospital by the her mother, who said her daughter was lethargic and unable to stay awake. According to the mother, her parents, Carla and Robert Lutes, were watching the victim and at some point she swallowed some unknown pills from inside the residence.

Mills said that x-ray images taken of the victim's stomach appeared to show five pill fragments that were unidentifiable. The victim was then airlifted to Children's Hospital in St. Louis.

On Thursday, officers responded to the Lutes' residence on Forest Street to assist the Stoddard County Children's Division. During the visit, officers received consent to search the residence where they located drug paraphernalia and medication, which Carla Lutes could not provide a prescription for.

She was immediately arrested and transported to the Dexter Police Department.

A warrant was issued by the Stoddard County Prosecutor's Office for Carla Lutes and she was charged with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

Her bond was set at $15,000 cash-only.

Mills said the victim was reportedly released from Children's Hospital Friday morning and given a "clean bill of health."

Pertinent address:

Forest Street, Dexter, MO