KENNEWICK, WA — A routine welfare check took a serious turn deputies discovered an unconscious man and child surrounded by drug paraphernalia inside a residence west of the Tri-Cities last week.

Deputies were dispatched to the 400 block of 9th Street after a concerned citizen reported seeing an unattended child near the roadway. The witness followed the child to a nearby home, where they observed an unconscious adult male in a recliner with another young child unresponsive on top of him. Drug paraphernalia was visible around the scene, according to a press release.

Given the urgency, deputies made an exigent entry into the residence. The male subject, a 30-year-old Benton City resident, eventually regained consciousness, along with the child who was with him. Medics were called to the scene and immediately assessed both children. Medical personnel determined that the children did not appear to have been exposed to the suspected narcotics, which were believed to be methamphetamine.

The children’s mother, who resides in Richland and does not live with the suspect, was contacted and responded promptly to take custody of her children.

The male subject was arrested and booked on a felony charge of Endangerment with a Controlled Substance.

An investigation is ongoing.