Gary Woman Charged After Toddler Hospitalized Following THC Gummy Ingestion
Gary- A 22-year-old Gary woman, Ariana Jewel Ganier, has been charged with felony neglect after her toddler became unresponsive and required hospitalization following the ingestion of THC gummies, according to court documents filed in Lake County.
Officers were dispatched to 3800 block of Pennsylvania Street around 8:44 a.m. on December 10, 2025, for a report of a possible overdose involving a small child. When police arrived, the child’s grandmother reported that her grandson had consumed approximately four THC-infused gummies the previous evening. She stated she was not present at the time of ingestion.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Ganier told officers that around 8:00 p.m. on December 9, she and her aunt went into the basement to talk while four young children were left unattended in the living room. During that time, the children accessed a white bag containing 50mg THC gummies. Ganier said the children later came downstairs and handed her the empty package but were too young to communicate how many gummies each one consumed.
Ganier told police she was advised by family members not to take the children to the hospital and instead watch them overnight. She reported she “barely slept” while monitoring her son, who grew increasingly lethargic, barely able to stay awake or keep his eyes open. The following morning, after the child remained minimally responsive, the grandmother called 911.
Responding officers found the toddler lying on a couch with eyes closed, briefly smiling when touched but immediately returning to sleep. The affidavit states he was unable to hold his head up without assistance. Paramedics transported him to Methodist Hospital, where medical staff later determined he required transfer to a children’s hospital for a higher level of care. As of transport, the child had not regained full consciousness.
Based on the delay in seeking medical treatment and the child’s condition, officers advised Ganier she was being placed under arrest for Neglect of a Dependent. The Department of Child Services was contacted and issued case numbers for all children involved.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
Charge Filed December 11,2025:
• Neglect of a Dependent (Level 6 Felony)
