Peel police warn parents after release of woman who poisoned 4 children

Police in Peel Region have issued a public safety alert after a Kitchener woman who was found guilty of poisoning four children has been released.

Christine Allen, now 36, ran a home daycare in Kitchener from 2009 to 2011.

While in her care, Allen deliberately gave the children an over-the-counter eye care product containing Tetrahydrozoline that if ingested can cause abnormal drowsiness, low blood pressure, respiratory problems and decreased heart rates, especially in young children.

Police said they began the investigation in 2013 when Allen was caring for a friend’s child who was taken to hospital with “serious physical symptoms” such as breathing difficulties, drowsiness and a decreased heart rate. The child recovered but had to be taken back to hospital at a later date with similar symptoms.

Detectives discovered that another child who had been under the woman’s care in July 2010 had similar symptoms, and recovered after a few days in hospital, according to police.

In total, Allen was accused of poisoning eight children and an adult.

In 2014, Allen pleaded guilty to four counts of administering a noxious substance with intent to cause bodily harm

Police say Allen will be living in the Charolais Boulevard area of Brampton upon her release on Monday.

She will be subject to numerous conditions, including not being in the presence of any children under the age of 16 unless accompanied by a responsible adult who has been approved by her parole supervisor.

Police said information they received indicates Allen is “at an elevated risk to re-offend.”

Peel are advising the public to use caution if they encounter Allen and parents should be cognizant of their children’s activities and aware of the individuals with whom they are associating.