Ohio Man Arrested for Huffing

Via the Sandusky Register in Ohio

Port Clinton Police arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly huffing out of compressed gas cans earlier this week. Police responded to an anonymous report that a man was seen outside of a laundry mat huffing something out of cans and appeared intoxicated. The man was found with a compressed gas can in one hand and a second in his pocket. He was charged with abusing harmful intoxicants and was taken to the Ottowa County Jail where he remains on $5000 bond.

Car Stuck in Pasture After Driver Abuses Inhalants Behind The Wheel

Via the Franklin Sun Journal in Maine:

A 36 year old man faces charges after an inhalant related incident.  He took off in a car without the owner's permission and subsequently took out a couple of mailboxes, went off the road, traveled across the lawn into a pasture, damaging a fence, the field and the vehicle.

When the car got stuck the first time, a 14 year old jumped out and ran to the road for help.  The second time, the officer approached the car and noticed the driver had locked himself in and was huffing computer dusting spray.

He was taken to the detention center on a felony charge of driving after habitual offender revocation and charges of leaving the scene of an accident and driving to endanger because of the teen in the vehicle. His license is revoked on a prior charge of driving under the influence and he was also given a summons on a civil charge of ingesting inhalants.

Oklahoma Man Backs Up Traffic After Huffing on the Interstate

Via NewsOK in Oklahoma:

A 22 year old male was arrested earlier this week after motorists on the highway saw him huffing computer dusters behind the wheel of his car.   Men in a moving van noticed him huffing, stopped the truck, pulled him out of the car, and moved his jeep out of traffic. An officer noticed traffic backing up and when he spoke with the driver his "pupils were pin dot size, his speech was slow, and he was unsteady on his feet." He was arrested on a compliant of public intoxication and was released from jail the following day.

Tackling Inhalant Abuse in New Jersey

Via the Consumer Specialty Products Association's NewsStream, an update on our recent inhalant abuse prevention activities in New Jersey: 

Colleen Creighton, executive director of the Alliance for Consumer Education (ACE), and Owen Caine, CSPA’s Manager, State Affairs, East Region, met with a number of New Jersey state senators and representatives June 23 in Trenton. On the agenda was inhalant abuse, specifically legislation that would include inhalants under DUI laws.

Creighton and Caine met with Senator Steven Oroho, who is sponsoring Senate bill S2064 "Kimmie's Law" and with state Assemblywoman Marlene Caride, who is sponsoring a companion bill.  Nearly 10 percent of New Jersey teens have used inhalants, according to recently released CDC data.

 

Creighton distributed ACE inhalant kits and provided additional insight on the issue of inhalant abuse to Oroho, Caride and other lawmakers. 

 ACE looks forward to working with communities across New Jersey in addressing this important issue.

For more information on ACE's Inhalant Abuse Prevention Program, please visit our program website: www.inhalant.org.

Pennsylvania Man Passes Out in Store Aisle After Huffing

Via the Patriot News in Pennsylvania:

A 27 year old man is facing charges after being accused of huffing two cans of computer duster at a Lowe's Home Improvement store and then striking a store manager in the arm. 

State police were called to the store and a trooper found the man lying unconscious in an aisle, holding two cans of computer duster. He woke up, starting swinging his arms and he hit the store manager. He left the store without paying for the cans and was detained in the parking lot. He had "white inhalation burn marks" below his nose and was taken to the hospital for evaluation before processing at the prison. He is being charged with inhaling a toxic substance, a misdemeanor, and other summary offenses, including harassment, disorderly conduct, retail theft and public drunkenness.

South Dakota Man Arrested for Huffing Behind the Wheel

Via the Rapid City Journal in South Dakota:

A 24 year old man was arrested over the weekend for huffing from a computer dusting spray while driving. The man's car veered into oncoming traffic and hit a car.  The driver was slumped over the steering wheel but drove off when a passenger in the other car approached. His car was found a few blocks away with a can of computer duster under the seat. The can was cold indicating it had recently been used. He was charged with driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license, hit and run with injury, improper lane change, ingesting, and no proof of insurance.

New National Inhalant Data from the CDC: Inhalant Abuse Declines Significantly From 1995 - 2013

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released the findings of its Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System 2013 Report . Specific findings can be found here.

• Nationwide, 8.9% of students have used an inhalant to get high during their lifetime.
• More female students report having used an inhalant (10.0%) than male students (7.9%)
• Prevalence for  having used an inhalant was higher among Hispanic (11.7%) than white (8.6%) and black (6.8%) students.
• Prevalence for  having used an inhalant was higher among 9th-grade (10.1%) and 11th-grade (9.9%) than 12th-grade (7.6%) students.

Some good news in the findings:   

• "During 1995 - 2013, a significant linear decrease occurred overall in the prevalence of having ever used inhalants (20.3% - 8.9%)."

• "The prevalence of having ever used inhalants decreased from 2011 (11.4%) to 2013 (8.9%)" 

 Further data follows below in three charts:

Vermont Woman Charged with Huffing and Driving

Via Rutland Herald 

A 19-year-old Vermont woman was arraigned on misdemeanor charges of negligent driving and driving under the influence of drugs.  The charges come after two separate occasions where the woman was huffing and driving.

In the first incident, a police office responded to a car accident.  Police believe the woman crashed into a parked car after huffing computer duster spray.  During the second incident, police witnessed the woman huffing in her car.  Although she did not display enough signs to be charged with driving under influence during the second incident she was charged with negligent driving.

Frightening New Inhalant Data from SAMHSA: 17,868 Young Adults Use Inhalants Each Day

Starting new inhalant data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that on an average day 17,868 young adults use an inhalant.  The report also reveals that each day 566 young adults use inhalants for the very first time.

Via SAMHSA administrator Pamela S. Hyde:"This data shows how prevalent substance abuse is in the lives of many young adults. Far too many young adults allow substance abuse to jeopardize their health, well-being and futures.  We must all do more to ensure that effective prevention and treatment programs are available to help young adults make the right choices.

The full SAMHSA Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ) report can be accessed here.

Wisconsin Man Arrested In Fatal Huffing Related Car Crash

Via Leader-Telegram

A 22-year-old Wisconsin man will be arraigned on charges from an August 2013 fatal car crash.  The man is accused of huffing computer duster and using marijuana before his car collided with a semitrailer truck, which was making a left-hand turn in front of the man's truck.  The driver of the semitrailer told police that he had a green arrow and the man failed to stop at the red light.  The man's car went under the semi's trailer, killing the passenger.  When police searched the car they located computer duster cans.

The man is being charged of homicide by vehicle from use of a controlled substance and intentional abuse of a hazardous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Pennsylvania Man Crashes Car Into Loading Dock After Huffing Duster

Via the Cranberry Eagle in Pennsylvania:

Police have charged a 30 year old man with driving under the influence of solvents after an April 17th accident.  He was huffing computer duster when he ran a red light and crashed his friend's SUV into a Bed, Bath, & Beyond loading dock. Two cans of computer duster were found in the car. Blood tests confirmed the presence of toxic chemicals.

June 6 — Police charged Lawrence R. Sadowski, 30, of Zelienople with driving under the influence of solvents stemming from an April 17 crash wreck at the Cranberry Mall on Route 19.
Sadowski was high from huffing aerosol duster about 5:10 a.m. when he crashed a friend's sport utility vehicle into the loading dock at the Bath, Bed & Beyond store, according to a police report. A witness told police that moments before the wreck, Sadowski ran a red light at Route 19 and Freedom Road. Officers got there and found in the vehicle two cans of compressed air dust remover that appeared to have been recently used, police said. The suspect was taken to UPMC Passavant Cranberry for a blood test, which later showed the presence of toxic chemical from the duster. In addition to DUI, Sadowski is charged with careless driving, a red light violation and driving with a suspended license - See more at: http://www.butlereagle.com/article/20140616/CRAN0101/706169853#sthash.ZzXGtHzZ.dpuf

OLICE REPORTS

Published:

June 16, 2014

These items have been collected from various police departments.

Cranberry Twp Police
June 6 — Police charged Lawrence R. Sadowski, 30, of Zelienople with driving under the influence of solvents stemming from an April 17 crash wreck at the Cranberry Mall on Route 19.
Sadowski was high from huffing aerosol duster about 5:10 a.m. when he crashed a friend's sport utility vehicle into the loading dock at the Bath, Bed & Beyond store, according to a police report. A witness told police that moments before the wreck, Sadowski ran a red light at Route 19 and Freedom Road. Officers got there and found in the vehicle two cans of compressed air dust remover that appeared to have been recently used, police said. The suspect was taken to UPMC Passavant Cranberry for a blood test, which later showed the presence of toxic chemical from the duster. In addition to DUI, Sadowski is charged with careless driving, a red light violation and driving with a suspended license.

State Police, Butler
June 1 — A black and chrome Apple iPod was stolen from a vehicle at a home in the 200 block of Reibold Road in Forward Township. The theft happened between 10 p.m. May 30 and noon June 1. - See more at: http://www.butlereagle.com/article/20140616/CRAN0101/706169853#sthash.ZzXGtHzZ.dpuf

OLICE REPORTS

Published:

June 16, 2014

These items have been collected from various police departments.

Cranberry Twp Police
June 6 — Police charged Lawrence R. Sadowski, 30, of Zelienople with driving under the influence of solvents stemming from an April 17 crash wreck at the Cranberry Mall on Route 19.
Sadowski was high from huffing aerosol duster about 5:10 a.m. when he crashed a friend's sport utility vehicle into the loading dock at the Bath, Bed & Beyond store, according to a police report. A witness told police that moments before the wreck, Sadowski ran a red light at Route 19 and Freedom Road. Officers got there and found in the vehicle two cans of compressed air dust remover that appeared to have been recently used, police said. The suspect was taken to UPMC Passavant Cranberry for a blood test, which later showed the presence of toxic chemical from the duster. In addition to DUI, Sadowski is charged with careless driving, a red light violation and driving with a suspended license.

State Police, Butler
June 1 — A black and chrome Apple iPod was stolen from a vehicle at a home in the 200 block of Reibold Road in Forward Township. The theft happened between 10 p.m. May 30 and noon June 1. - See more at: http://www.butlereagle.com/article/20140616/CRAN0101/706169853#sthash.ZzXGtHzZ.dpuf

New Jersey Woman Arrested for Huffing Twice in One Week

Via NJ.com in New Jersey:

A woman was arrested for huffing, her second arrest in two weeks with both incidents occurring on the Delaware and Raritan Canal towpath. She was arrested on charges of being under the influence of and in the possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Pregnant Woman Arrested for Huffing in CVS Twice in One Month

Via the Salem Patch in Massachusetts:

The police blotter notes that on the afternoon of June 15th police responded to a CVS for a shoplifting incident involving a 31 year old pregnant woman who "appeared high" after huffing a product.  She was arrested on a charge of huffing toxic vapors and shoplifting by asportation. This was the second time she had been arrested for the same charges this month.

Homeless Man Dies After Abusing Inhalants in Pittsburgh

Via WPXI in Pennsylvania:

A 56 year old homeless man was found dead under a bridge in Pittsburgh.  Police noted his death was related to inhalant abuse.

Montana Woman Back in Court After Inhalant Abuse Related Crash

Via KRTV in Montana:

An 18 year old female, convicted 2 weeks ago in an inhalant related crash in December, was back in court. In the crash she had been traveling as fast as 75 miles per hour when she blacked out after huffing computer dusting spray.  Her car hit another car severely injuring the driver as well as a passenger in her own vehicle.

Illinois Driver Extricated From Car After Huffing Behind The Wheel

Via the Register Mail in Illinois:

An 18 year old man has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs after an inhalant abuse related crash.  

On Tuesday evening around 9:40 pm, police responded to a call regarding a car that had crashed into a tree.  The driver had to be extricated with rescue equipment. A can of computer duster was found in the driver's seat and the man admitted he had been huffing the product prior to the crash and that he had stolen the product from Wal-Mart. The driver and one of the two passengers were brought to the hospital for treatment. The driver sustained a number of injuries including "broken ribs, fractured vertebrae and lacerations that required as many as 30 staples."

Army Vet Charged with Inhalant Abuse for Third Time in Massachusetts

Via the Berkshire Eagle in Massachusetts:

For the third time, a 32 year old man has been found passed out behind the wheel of his truck with the engine running. A can of computer duster was still in his hand and several empty cans were found nearby.

The same officer that found him also charged him in August 2013 after he was found impaired after allegedly huffing computer duster. The man is currently on probation on charges of negligent operation and driving under the influence from a similar incident in November.

His attorney claims computer duster wasn't included as a drug under the operating under the influence of drugs statute. He also noted his client was an Iraq War veteran who was given a medical discharge for PTSD after 12 years in the Army. The judge released the man on personal recognizance with restrictions.

Two Inhalant Incidents in Georgia

Via the Statesboro Herald in Georgia:

The Stateboro Police Department blotter notes two inhalant related incidents:

• A 31 year old man was cited for intentionally inhaling  fumes or model glue. 
• A man was arrested at Walmart for drinking gun cleaner and huffing from an aerosol can

Stolen Dusters and Police Chase in New York

Via Newsday in New York:

A 36 year old man stole several cans of computer duster from a Staples store and led police officers and state troopers on a chase.  He was found stopped on the Parkway, officers noticed him huffing from the can, and he refused to leave the car. He was pulled from the car and charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, resisting arrest, and petty larceny.

Deodorant Abuse in Australia

Via NT News in Australia:

 After a surge in abuse of deodorant, the product was taken from the shelves and sold from behind the counter. The product manufacturer is working with the Central Australian Youth Link-Up Service (CAYLUS) to determine whether changing the product composition will deter its abuse.

Wyoming Man Crashes Car After Abusing Inhalants

Via the County 10 in Wyoming:

A 22 year old man was arrested after crashing his car after allegedly huffing computer dusting spray behind the wheel. He fled from the scene but was quickly found and charged with Driving While Under the Influence, Driving Under Suspension, and Duty to Report an Accident.

Ohio Woman Huffing in Store Parking Lot

Via Cleveland.Com in Ohio:

On the evening of June 3, a witness noticed a woman huffing from a computer duster in a store parking lot. When a police officer approached the car, she "inhaled fumes and held them in before slumping over and becoming unconscious and unresponsive." She was transported to the hospital and will be charged with abusing harmful intoxicants.

Glue Sniffing Targeted in Borneo

Via the Borneo Post: 

The Inhalants Act aims to combat the abuse of glue among the public, especially youths.  The Director of the National Anti-Drugs Agency noted the increase in the number of children who are abusing glue and said the bill was moving forward to the Attorney General's Office soon.  The government is also taking steps to control the sale of glue.

Arizona Woman Arrested for Huffing Related Crash

Via The Daily Courier

An 18-year-old Arizona woman who crashed her car into a home had been huffing prior to the crash, police say.   The car went off the road and struck the living room of a house.  No one was inside at the time.  The woman sustained minor facial injuries and a passenger was unharmed. The woman told officers, "she had no idea what happened."  However, if appeared that she was under the influence of something.  Police have established that the woman had been inhalant computer duster less than a half-hour before the crash.  She was arrested for aggravated DUI, felony endangerment, and aggravate criminal damage. 

Michigan Man Serving Time for Huffing and Driving

Via LivingstonDaily.com

A 24-year-old Michigan man accused of huffing computer duster prior to crashing his vehicle was sentenced to 13 months to three years in prison.    The man told police that he had been using an inhalant when he passed out driving, causing him to strike a curb and crash his car into a fire hydrant.  Police found about 18 cans of computer duster, open and unopened alcohol containers, multiple over-the-counter narcotics and suspected illegal narcotics in the man's vehicle.

Missouri Woman Crashes Car Twice in One Evening After Huffing Behind the Wheel

Via the Gasconade County Republican in Missouri:

A 32 year old woman crashed two different borrowed vehicles in one evening after huffing computer dusting spray.

Just after 10 pm on May 29th police arrived at the scene of the crash and the woman was clutching a can of duster behind the wheel. A highway sign leg was sheared off and the woman couldn't recall what had happened between the crash and when she just previously left a local Wal-Mart. She was examined at the scene, declined medical attention, and was cited and released to a family member. The citations were for "inhalation (of) fumes to cause certain reaction" and "driving while intoxicated/drugged condition."

After being released she borrowed her sister's boyfriend's car and drove to Wal-Mart to obtain more computer dusting spray. After leaving the store, a mere 4 hours after her first crash, she "took out another sign and ran across the road into a ditch", landing 500 feet from the scene of her earlier crash. She was arrested, brought to jail, and cited for "careless driving." 

Huffing a Serious Addiction in Utah

Via the Daily Herald in Utah:

The Orem Department of Public Safety has expressed concern over an increase in inhalant abuse in the region. They noted just a few of the multiple calls for "huffing" that they had received over the past two months.

In one case, a man had been inhaling from cans of computer duster for over 12 hours in a Wal-Mart bathroom. He had purchased some of the cans and had stolen the rest.  He was taken to the hospital, released and an hour later was arrested for abusing inhalants in his car.

In another case a driver under the influence of inhalants had damaged his car, hit fences, street signs and parked cars.  Another 30 year old individual was found in his garage huffing gasoline from his four-wheeler.

Indiana Woman Arrested After Huffing Duster and Stealing Cosmetics

Via WBIW in Indiana:

A 50 year old woman was arrested after Wal-Mart surveillance video caught her huffing computer duster and stealing cosmetics from the store.  Police noticed her speech was slurred from inhaling the product and she was arrested and charged with theft and inhaling a toxic vapor.

Missouri Teen Arrested for Stealing Duster

Via The Missourian.com

An 18 year old male was arrested after he stole a can of computer duster from a local Wal-Mart. He was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.