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Monroe man takes toddler to drug deal near school, deputies say

The second suspect also brought a gun to the deal.
Credit: BortN66 - stock.adobe.com

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — The Union County Sheriff's Office says a man brought his own infant child along to a drug deal that happened close to a school Thursday.

According to a Facebook post from the office, 26-year-old Austin Lee Page of Monroe brought his toddler along to the Sun Valley area Thursday afternoon to buy heroin. Deputies say their narcotics bureau saw the suspicious activity and found Page with toddler in tow, along with 30-year-old Joshua Wendell Oxendine of Stallings.

Deputies say the foiled heroin exchange happened less than 1,000 feet from a nearby school, and that Oxendine had a gun with him he couldn't have since he is a previously convicted felon. Oxendine now faces numerous felony charges tied to the sale and delivery of heroin, along with being charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school. He also is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

As for Page, he also faces several drug charges along with misdemeanor child abuse. The Department of Social Services was alerted after his arrest and the child was returned to the mother.

Both men remain in jail as of writing.

Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.

WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.

Because both men are in jail and pose no immediate threat to the safety of the community, WCNC Charlotte is not showing these mugshots.

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