Odessa Police recently released more information regarding an incident at Mr. Gatti’s pizza parlor where an 8-year-old boy became "violently sick" Monday night, landing him in the emergency room.
OPD responded to Mr. Gatti’s, 2750 N. Grandview Ave., in reference to a medical call around 7:10 p.m. Monday. At this location officers learned that an eight-year-old boy had become sick while playing with friends in the game room area. Due to the severity of the illness and rapid onset of symptoms, the child was rushed to Neighbors Emergency Center located at 2731 N. Grandview Ave. by family members.
Police said the child received medical care at Neighbors Emergency Center and was later transferred to Medical Center Hospital.
"Early in the preliminary investigation, an individual present at Mr. Gatti’s alleged that an unknown person had given the child some candy just prior to the child becoming ill. However, at the time of the report, this individual was unable to provide officers with a description of the person that is alleged to have given the child some candy," an OPD press release said Thursday.
Police began investigating due to the possible severity and safety concerns for the community, the release said.
"Since being assigned to this investigation, detectives have been conducting interviews with potential witnesses, reviewing video surveillance from Mr. Gatti’s, obtaining copies of medical reports, and have interviewed the child. Detectives are still actively gathering information and conducting interviews at this time in an attempt to get an accurate picture of the events that took place on the evening of April 10," the release said.
Upon completion of the entire investigation, an additional press release will be sent out showing the findings of the investigation, police said.
"At this time the Odessa Police Department does not believe that there is an immediate threat to our community and appreciates the public’s patience as we conduct a thorough investigation into this incident," the release said.
"The Odessa Police Department would like to use this time to remind parents to speak to their children about the potential dangers of accepting gifts from strangers."
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Odessa Police Department at 432-333-3641 or Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS.
