From Law & Crime · · 1m 50s
Woman Accused of Spiking Tea During Restaurant Meeting
Woman hospitalized after allegedly poisoning acquaintance with benzodiazepine in tea.
In brief
Woman hospitalized after allegedly poisoning acquaintance with benzodiazepine in tea. 52-year-old woman in New Jersey accused of poisoning acquaintance with benzodiazepine during financial meeting. Originally reported by Law & Crime.
Woman hospitalized after tea incident
A 52-year-old woman in New Jersey is accused of poisoning an acquaintance during a meeting to discuss unauthorized banking activity.
Investigation begins
Leonia police responded to a call about a resident hospitalized after a medical emergency that may have involved poisoning on Sept. 11.
Bergen County Prosecutor's Office joins
Bergen County Prosecutor's Office joined the investigation with its Major Crimes Unit and Robbery-Homicide Division.
Victim's account
The victim told investigators she believed an acquaintance had put something in her drink during a recent meeting.
Restaurant meeting details
Bacani and the victim met at a Fort Lee restaurant on Sept. 8 to discuss unauthorized banking activity the victim detected.
Tea incident
The victim drank some of the tea but detected an unusual taste before collapsing while leaving the restaurant.
Hospitalization
The victim was hospitalized for several days with no knowledge of how she arrived.
Poisoning confirmed
Authorities revealed Bacani had poisoned the victim with a controlled dangerous substance, a benzodiazepine, added to the tea.
Charges filed
Bacani was charged with one count of third-degree aggravated assault following a weekslong investigation.
Arrest
Authorities arrested Bacani outside her Hackensack residence on Oct. 14 after detectives located her.
Bergen County Jail
Bacani was booked into Bergen County Jail without bond.
Benzodiazepine effects
Benzodiazepines slow brain activity and can cause drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and impaired coordination.
FDA warnings
Overdosing on benzodiazepines can cause severe sedation, loss of consciousness and dangerously slowed breathing.
Case status
Bacani is currently held without bond in Bergen County Jail.
The key point
52-year-old woman in New Jersey accused of poisoning acquaintance with benzodiazepine during financial meeting.
