NORTH WILDWOOD, N.J. — A Pennsylvania woman faces child endangerment and weapons charges after two juveniles called 911 while she showed signs of a possible drug overdose inside a North Wildwood residence, police said.
Officers responded to an emergency in the area of 400 East 26th Avenue on Sept. 11. They found Tammy M. Paulin, 46, of Greenville, Pennsylvania, exhibiting signs consistent with a possible overdose.
Police also found two juveniles at the property. Authorities said the juveniles had contacted 911, but did not release their ages or disclose their relationship to Paulin.
Loaded handgun found beneath mattress
Investigators obtained a court-authorized warrant to search the residence.
During that search, officers found a loaded Taurus G3 9mm handgun unsecured beneath a mattress, according to police. Investigators also recovered two high-capacity magazines.
Authorities did not say whether either juvenile handled or encountered the weapon.
Child endangerment and weapons charges filed
Police charged Paulin with endangering the welfare of a child, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of high-capacity magazines.
She was charged on a warrant under New Jersey’s bail reform guidelines and taken to the Cape May County Correctional Facility.
The North Wildwood Police Department credited members of its Patrol and Detective bureaus for their work on the investigation. The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Child Advocacy Center also assisted.
Anyone with information about the case can contact the North Wildwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 609-522-2411. Anonymous information may be submitted through the department’s online tip portal.
The charges are accusations. Paulin is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More reports from the region are available through Shore News Network’s Cape May County, New Jersey crime and public safety sections.