Nassau police issue warning after increase in heroin overdoses

<p>Police have issued a warning after an increase in drug overdoses in the Massapequa area.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jul 4, 2018, 3:22 PM

Updated 2,140 days ago

Share:

Police have issued a warning after an increase in drug overdoses in the Massapequa area.
There have been six overdoses over the last 13 days. One of them was fatal.
Chief of Detectives Neil Delargy says some of the six overdoses involved users who overdosed multiple times.
Within hours of the deadly overdose, police arrested Edward Gillespie on Sunday for allegedly selling the batch of heroin that caused it.
Gillespie, 21, of Queens, was arrested on Atlantic Avenue in Massapequa Park and charged with criminal possession and sale of a controlled substance.
Police say Gillespie had multiple wax paper envelopes containing a powdery substance believed to be heroin at the time of his arrest.
The latest overdose spike comes in a community that Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder has repeatedly referred to as a "hot spot" for drug-related crimes in the county.
Janice Talento, of the Massapequa-based Drug Free Long Island awareness group, and a host of community leaders are calling on neighbors to help the police, look out for each other and educate children.
“Come to the meetings, learn what's going on, see something - say something, get involved,” she says.


More from News 12
1:51
Investigation underway into fatal police-involved shooting of armed man in East Flatbush

Investigation underway into fatal police-involved shooting of armed man in East Flatbush

1:35
Cool temperatures with a mix of sun and clouds in New York City

Cool temperatures with a mix of sun and clouds in New York City

0:24
Police seek help identifying man found outside hospital in Brownsville

Police seek help identifying man found outside hospital in Brownsville

0:31
New York City launches citywide survey to assess needs of older residents

New York City launches citywide survey to assess needs of older residents

0:24
NYPD: 2 suspects wanted for assaulting 79-year-old man in Brownsville

NYPD: 2 suspects wanted for assaulting 79-year-old man in Brownsville

1:52
Music legend Paul McCartney responds to viral video of Brooklyn Beatles fan

Music legend Paul McCartney responds to viral video of Brooklyn Beatles fan

1:26
55 NYCHA senior buildings in Brooklyn, the Bronx to lose unarmed security service this summer

55 NYCHA senior buildings in Brooklyn, the Bronx to lose unarmed security service this summer

0:38
Brooklyn actor Steve Buscemi recuperating following NYC assault

Brooklyn actor Steve Buscemi recuperating following NYC assault

1:35
MTA makes 50,000 MetroCards featuring Bronx rapper Ice Spice

MTA makes 50,000 MetroCards featuring Bronx rapper Ice Spice

1:36
Finding gifts for mom and a Brooklyn Ballet performance at Montague Open Streets

Finding gifts for mom and a Brooklyn Ballet performance at Montague Open Streets

0:30
Haliburton, Pacers take advantage of short-handed Knicks to even series with 121-89 rout in Game 4

Haliburton, Pacers take advantage of short-handed Knicks to even series with 121-89 rout in Game 4

1:39
Senate bill would limit harmful heavy metals in baby food

Senate bill would limit harmful heavy metals in baby food

1:22
Mother’s Day bouquets fly off the shelves at Kingsbridge flower shop

Mother’s Day bouquets fly off the shelves at Kingsbridge flower shop

2:18
Ditmas Park and Kensington parents speak on child care concerns at pre-Mother’s Day event

Ditmas Park and Kensington parents speak on child care concerns at pre-Mother’s Day event

2:44
Bronx professional dancer with medical condition defies the odds to achieve success

Bronx professional dancer with medical condition defies the odds to achieve success

1:43
Parade and street fair celebrates Haitian Culture Day in Flatbush Junction

Parade and street fair celebrates Haitian Culture Day in Flatbush Junction

0:18
NYPD: Suspect wanted for stealing from donation box at house of worship in Crown Heights

NYPD: Suspect wanted for stealing from donation box at house of worship in Crown Heights

0:29
High school football players train for game offering scholarships

High school football players train for game offering scholarships

0:55
Bronx Night Market makes its debut in Bronx Week

Bronx Night Market makes its debut in Bronx Week

1:03
NYPD: Bronx man accused in violent Melrose sexual assault arrested; charged with first-degree rape

NYPD: Bronx man accused in violent Melrose sexual assault arrested; charged with first-degree rape