Petaluma Teen Dies Of Suspected Drug Overdose; 2 Arrested

PETALUMA, CA — A 16-year-old boy died in Petaluma early Monday of a suspected drug overdose and police arrested two people in connection with death. According to Petaluma police Lt. Tim Lyons, officers and Petaluma firefighters were dispatched to the 20 block of Vallejo Street at 4:17 a.m. Monday in response to a report from a roommate who said their friend was possibly having a seizure.

The caller reportedly told police that his roommate and another friend were trying to put the victim in a car, but as he exited his house and saw that the teen was not breathing he decided to call for an ambulance.

The first officer arrived on scene and found the victim unconscious, Lyons said.

The teen was rushed by ambulance to Petaluma Valley Hospital but was pronounced dead at 5:09 a.m., according to the lieutenant.

"The preliminary cause of death appeared to be from a drug overdose," Lyons said.

The victim's name was not immediately disclosed by authorities.

Back at the scene, Robert Harrison, 39, was allegedly found in possession of a loaded syringe and a loaded firearm, both of which officers found at the residence, Lyons said.

Officers also spoke with Harrison's friend, 34-year-old transient Danielle Foernsler, at the residence.

Police believe Foernsler is the victim's mother.

"She originally gave the officers a false name and said she was the victim’s cousin," Lyons said. "During an interview with detectives, she admitted giving a false name because she had outstanding warrants for her arrest and identified herself as the victim’s mother."

Police allege Foernsler was aware the victim had Xanax containing Fentanyl, and that Foernsler herself appeared to be under the influence of a narcotic.

Harrison also appeared to be under the influence of a narcotic and admitted to detectives that he knew the teen had Xanax, possibly containing Fentanyl, in his possession, the lieutenant said.

"When the victim began to suffer from an overdose ... Harrison did not call for medical help," Lyons said.

Both Harrison and Foernsler were arrested at the scene.

Harrison was booked into Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of child endangerment, being under the influence of narcotics and possession of a loaded firearm, while possessing narcotics.

Foernsler was booked on suspicion of manslaughter, child endangerment and two outstanding warrants for robbery.

Foernsler remained behind bars Tuesday morning. She was being held without bail pending a court appearance Wednesday, according to jail records.

Harrison may have been released from custody because jail records were not available for him.

"This was the third narcotic-related overdose call since Friday that Petaluma PD and Petaluma FD have responded to," Lyons said. "In the past six months, there have been 19 other narcotic-related overdose calls, of which three resulted in deaths. A majority of these incidents are heroin-overdose related. The department is also seeing an increase in Fentanyl-related medical emergencies. Fentanyl is a powerful pain medicine that could be lethal if improperly used or handled."

Police asked anyone with information about Monday's incident to contact Detective Walt Spiller at 707-778-4372.

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