Police Investigate Video Of Child Apparently Smoking Pot
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago police have launched an investigation of a video that appears to show a child of about 4 or 5 smoking marijuana.
Community activist Andrew Holmes received the video from a tipster who wanted to remain anonymous, but was concerned about the welfare of the boy.
In the video, a person off camera is heard coaching the boy to "inhale it" as the child smokes what appears to be a marijuana cigarette. It doesn't appear to be the child's first time, either, as he seems unusually comfortable while puffing a cloud of smoke.
Holmes gave the video to Area South Detectives, who were trying to track down the child and the person who provided him with the drug.
Sources said an IP address associated with the video was traced to west suburban Bellwood, but police would not confirm that information.
Holmes said he could hardly believe what he saw when he watched the video.
"I'm very worried, because there ain't no telling how long this child has been smoking, and this child may have behavioral problems later on in life," he said. "I don't want this child to become a drug addict, so I'm seeking immediate help to identify this child, and also the perpetrators."
If police find the person who gave the boy the marijuana, he could be charged with child endangerment.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services also could be contacted to possibly remove the child from his current home if an investigation shows he was given illegal drugs.
