UPDATE: Police say the child has been taken off life support and has passed away. The investigation is ongoing.

PONCHATOULA – Local police are investigating an incident that put a special needs child on life support this week.

Ponchatoula Police said a 3-year-old boy confined to a wheelchair became entangled in a harness attached to the chair. Workers found the child unresponsive and attempted to do CPR as they called for help.

Police said when they arrived, staff were trying to resuscitate the boy and EMTs were able to stabilize the child and take him to the hospital.

The child was transported from a local hospital to a care center in New Orleans specifically for children where he is in critical condition and on life support. Family members of the child told WBRZ they are worried the child may not survive.

The child care center, which specializes in pediatric special needs services, is located at 2570 Veterans Avenue near Ponchatoula Creek, police said. The address is the same one listed for Pediatric Health Choice.

A disheveled woman who answered the phone Thursday afternoon said no such incident happened and hung up the phone. Kids could be heard crying in the background.

Family members said the facility staff is overwhelmed.

State child welfare officials said they could not comment but police said they were discussing the situation with the Department of Children and Family Services.

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