Authorities have located and arrested Mary E. Jacobo, the mother of a two-year-old child who tragically died from a suspected fentanyl overdose. The arrest took place on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, following a coordinated effort by the Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crimes Unit and Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, along with support from Oregon State Police, Seaside Police, and the Washington County Tactical Negotiations Team. Jacobo is currently being held at the Clatsop County Jail on multiple warrants.
At the time of her arrest, Jacobo was found in possession of a firearm, which has since been seized by law enforcement. The investigation into Jacobo’s activities revealed that, since her child’s death, she has been implicated in various violent crimes, including a carjacking at gunpoint. Detectives had been actively searching for her but had encountered difficulties in locating her until this recent arrest.
Previously, the Portland Police Bureau had requested public assistance in locating Jacobo, describing her as 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 135 pounds, with hazel eyes and brown hair that may have been recently dyed blonde. She also has tattoos on her neck, chest, and left hand. Authorities had warned that she was considered armed and dangerous, urging anyone who spotted her to avoid confrontation and contact 911 immediately.
This arrest marks a significant development in an ongoing investigation into the tragic circumstances surrounding the child’s death and Jacobo’s subsequent criminal activities.
Fentanyl can have severe and potentially life-threatening effects on children, as their bodies are more sensitive to opioids compared to adults. Like adults, children are at a high risk of respiratory depression when exposed to fentanyl. This can lead to slow or shallow breathing and may result in respiratory failure, which is a medical emergency. Fentanyl can cause gastrointestinal distress in children, leading to nausea and vomiting.
There is limited research on the long-term effects of fentanyl exposure in children, but there are concerns that opioid exposure may impact brain development and lead to cognitive or behavioral issues. Given the high risks associated with fentanyl, it is crucial to keep all opioid medications, including fentanyl patches, pills, and injectable forms, out of reach of children and to seek immediate medical help if a child is suspected of having been exposed to fentanyl.
