Women show 2

A Lancaster County woman posted a video on social media last week showing a 2-year-old taking a hit from a vape device, police said in court documents.

A tip from someone who saw the video on Friday led to child endangerment charges being filed Tuesday against Elena K. Zaharchuk, 18, of Lititz, and Naomi S. Wenger, 21, of Strasburg, Strasburg police said.

An affidavit of probable cause provided the following account:

Strasburg police received the video around 9 p.m. Friday of a 2-year-old inhaling from a vape device. The video showed the child coughing and smoke coming out of their mouth. The video was captioned, “kids starting young,” the affidavit said.

Police said they met Zaharchuk and Wenger around 9:30 p.m. Friday at an apartment on the first block of West Main Street. According to court documents, the women said they did not know the toddler knew how to use the vape, and took the device away afterward.

The affidavit said Zaharchuk admitted to posting the video.

The relationship between Zaharchuk, Wenger and the toddler was not disclosed in court documents. Strasburg police were not immediately available for more information, and the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the defendants’ relations.

Zaharchuk and Wenger were charged with third-degree felony counts of child endangerment.

Online court records show Wenger was unable to post $50,000 bail and is being held at Lancaster County Prison. Zaharchuk was released Tuesday after posting $25,000 bail.

Preliminary hearings for both women are scheduled for Sept. 7 in front of Magisterial District Judge William Benner.

READ MORE: Vehicle backing out of central Pa. driveway hit motorcyclist, killing its driver: coroner

Woman’s death on Harrisburg bridge leaves unanswered questions

If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.