Woman suspected of giving THC candy to kids at Cook County park

Parents react as suburban police look for woman who gave THC candy to children

Police in Wheeling are investigating an incident that sent four children to the hospital after they ate chocolate believed to contain THC—a psychoactive compound found in cannabis.

COOK COUNTY - Police in Wheeling are investigating an incident that sent four children to the hospital after they ate chocolate believed to contain THC—a psychoactive compound found in cannabis.

Now, police are looking for the woman who allegedly distributed the candy at a local playground.  

What we know:

The disturbing incident happened on Mother’s Day in Pleasant Run Park, located near Equestrian Drive and Paddock Drive. Just after 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, officers responded to the report of several children appearing fatigued and sluggish after receiving candy from a woman in the park.

The children were taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation where, according to medical staff, one of the children tested positive for THC.

During a search of the area, officers found a product labeled "MOJO THC Milk Chocolate," which they believe may be linked to the incident.

Two of the children are 9 years old, one is 6 years old, and the fourth is 2 years old.

Police confirmed the children were not accompanied by an adult at the time of the incident.

What they're saying:

Pleasant Run Park is typically bustling with families and filled with the sounds of children playing, but over the weekend, the alarming situation disrupted that usual sense of safety.

"I shared it with my husband, who said, 'oh yeah, we actually saw some cops out who were talking to kids and families,’" said Laura Curran, a concerned parent.

The playground and athletic fields are surrounded by an apartment complex and neighborhood homes.

"We come out here pretty much every day," Curran said. "It’s very, very scary, especially because you teach your kids not to take candy from strangers; however, if you’re not supervising them or your eyes aren’t on them at all times, you are kind of trusting that there are parents out here not doing crazy stuff like that—offering candy to kids, so it’s pretty terrifying."

The situation is also putting travel teams that regularly use the park on high alert.

"Very concerning," said Greg McGrath, head coach of the Arlington Heights Thunder Teal.

McGrath, who heads the girls’ travel softball team, says they play games at Pleasant Run Park one to two times per month during the season.

"And it is one of those things that kind of just heightens your awareness of just your surroundings," McGrath said.

The softball organization alerted families right away, as did the Wheeling Park District in a Facebook post, urging parents to stay vigilant.

"You know, I let our parents know, I let my wife know, I let my daughter know on the way over, just be aware, not only here but just everywhere," McGrath said.

What we don't know:

The woman accused of distributing the candy has not been identified. She’s described as a white woman, about 50 to 60 years old, heavyset, with a blue cross tattoo on her shoulder. Witnesses say she was wearing a blue and white leather jacket and was last seen walking south from the park.

Police have not said whether the woman knowingly handed out THC-laced candy or if other children may have been affected.

The condition of the children has not been released, and no arrests have been made.

What you can do:

Investigators are asking anyone with information about the woman or who may have witnessed the incident to contact the Wheeling Police Department at 847-459-2632.