Wyoming Psychiatrist Convicted for Huffing and Driving

Via: Powell Tribune

Cody, WY - A local psychiatrist, Matthew Hopkins, has been convicted for driving into a car head-on while under the influence of inhalants and injuring the woman in the other vehicle. A jury convicted him of a felony count of aggravated assault and battery and misdemeanor counts of driving while under the influence of a substance and unlawful use of a toxic substance. Hopkins was sentenced to 18 to 36 months in prison for his offenses. The incident occurred after Hopkins inhaled from a can of dust cleaner and tried driving to his office only to pass out at the wheel and drift into the other lane hitting the other car.

Close friends of Hopkins asked for no prison time and instead mandatory rehabilitation but the Deputy Attorney asked for six to eight years since this is not Hopkins first relapse with substance abuse. In 2003, his medical license was suspended in New Hampshire after he was found writing himself prescriptions. From November 2011 to April 2012, his license was suspended in Wyoming for noncompliance with his monitoring program. All of Hopkins license restrictions were removed in 2015 but he began to relapse publicly in later 2016 after the death of his father. In November of 2016, Hopkins was arrested after he clipped a car in a parking lot and drove off. Police believed him to be under the influence but lacked evidence to prove it so he was awaiting trial. In June 2017, he fell off his bike and police officers found his blood alcohol to be more than twice the legal limit.

Due to his long history of substance abuse the judge and jury felt that more than rehabilitation was required for Hopkins. They said that he was very smart and new the dangers of huffing but made the choice to drive regardless. Hopkins relinquished his medical license and will most likely never practice again.

Nebraska Man Arrested for Huffing Inhalants

Via: KWBE Radio

Norfolk, NE - A man in Norfolk Nebraska was arrested twice within a four-period for inhalant abuse. The first arrest occurred in the morning but he was later released after posting bail. Later in the afternoon he was arrested a second time after he was believed to be having an inhalant-induced seizure. The police found a 10-ounce air duster and he was arrested.

Man found passed out after “huffing” inhalants in store bathroom

via http://wivb.com

"Police in Lancaster say a man was found passed out in a Transit Road store bathroom after “huffing” inhalants. The 38-year-old was seen sitting on a toilet with a can of compressed gas pressed against his mouth, according to police. Authorities say he became conscious again minutes later.

During a search, officers say they located two cans of computer duster in the men’s bathroom and four more bottles in the women’s bathroom. The ones found in the women’s bathroom had been used, according to police.

The man was taken to ECMC for treatment. Police expect to charge him with a public health law violation. He could also face charges for petit larceny and burglary."

South Carolina Woman Caught Huffing Duster in Walmart Bathroom

via http://wspa.com

Spartanburg police were called to the scene at a local Walmart upon receiving reports of "someone spray painting the bathroom with the doors locked". Police arrived to find the suspect passed out on the bathroom floor, surrounded by eight cans of compressed air dusters. Six of the cans were taken from the Walmart. 

When discovered, the suspect had vomited and hit her head while falling inside the restroom. She was taken to the emergency room for immediate care, then booked for Inhalation of Hydrocarbons. 

Florida Doctor Accused of Huffing and Driving for Third Time

via http://www.actionnewsjax.com

A 61-year-old Florida podiatrist is accused of driving while under the influence of inhalants for the third time, following a ticket for reckless driving. The doctor was arrested after swerving off the road and damaging a light pole, and was seen throwing a can of electronics air duster into the woods. Police report that he had three incidents of driving involving duster cans in one week. The doctor was only arrested one of the three times because huffing effects are difficult to identify and typically only last 10-20 minutes, although they can kill immediately.

Michigan Man Found Huffing Duster In Parking Lot

via http://www.mlive.com/

A 19-year-old Michigan man was charged with prohibited use of a chemical agent and driving without a valid license following a tip to the police of a man spraying his face with an unknown substance in a Family Fare parking lot. Officers arrived and found him inhaling a can of duster. Paramedics were called to administer medical attention, and the man was subsequently arrested.