Gumball Machine Spits Out Prescription Drugs to Child in NH

ROCHESTER, NH — A New Hampshire mother said she was horrified after a toy vending machine dispensed prescription drugs to her daughter at the Rochester House of Pizza last week.

Courtney Jones, of Rochester, said the incident happened Friday. She said she gave her daughter three quarters to use in the machine, which is advertised as dispensing toys sealed in plastic containers. Her daughter returned with two toys — but the third container had four prescription pills inside.

The pills were tested and determined to be a combination of blood pressure and kidney medications, Rochester Police Capt. Jason Thomas told Patch.

The toy machine is operated by a third-party vendor. Thomas said the pizza shop owner is cooperating with police and security camera footage is being reviewed to determine if someone tampered with the machine.

Jones said she couldn't believe someone would do such a thing.

"I was surprised," she told Patch.

And with Halloween approaching, she said it serves as a reminder that parents should take a look at any candy or toys their children come across.

"Check and double check," Jones said.

Thomas said anyone with information on the case can contact Rochester police at 603-330-7127.

Photo: These prescription drugs were dispensed from a toy vending machine at a Rochester pizza shop. (Credit: Courtney Jones)