Man at Nassau Movie Theater With His 2 Kids Overdoses on Fentanyl: Police

SEAFORD, NY – A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child after he overdosed on fentanyl at a Nassau County movie theater Tuesday morning, Nassau Police said.

According to police, Seventh Precinct officers responded to the Seaford Cinemas located at 3951 Merrick Road for an unresponsive male with his two children, ages 2 and 6, around 10:23 a.m.

An off-duty Nassau County officer observed Nicholas Anastasio, of Seaford, sweating profusely and then pass out, police said.

The officer retrieved Narcan from his vehicle and administered it to Anastasio with no response. When Seventh Precinct officers and an ambulance supervisor arrived, they administered Narcan, and Anastasio became responsive.

Anastasio was then transported to a local hospital by a Seaford Fire Department ambulance. An investigation revealed that Anastasio inhaled the opioid fentanyl, which is 50 times stronger than heroin, and he was placed under arrest. The children were released to a family member.

Anastasio was charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He will be arraigned on Wednesday at First District Court in Hempstead.

NCPD photo: Nicholas Anastasio