Brecksville Man Arrested With Nitrous Oxide Tanks in Vehicle

POLICE REPORTS

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June 1 – Brecksville police arrested a suspect after discovering multiple nitrous oxide tanks during a traffic stop on Crinkleroot Clearing.

Officers responded at approximately 5:44 p.m. to reports of a suspicious male sitting in a vehicle possibly huffing a substance. The caller reported the vehicle had been running for hours with the occupant “huffing something.”

Police found the suspect in the driver’s seat of a gray 2016 Mazda 3 with the vehicle running. The individual initially had a nitrous oxide tank nozzle in his mouth while inhaling from it. When officers approached, the suspect appeared surprised and removed the nozzle, slightly opening the passenger window.

During the investigation, police discovered four nitrous oxide tanks in various flavors including watermelon lemonade, blueberry mango, cherry lemon, and cherry taste. The tanks were identified as “Galaxy Gas” and “Monster Gas” brands, along with multiple empty packages for similar products.

The suspect initially refused to identify himself and attempted to close the windows. After questioning, he was placed under arrest and charged with abusing harmful intoxicants, a first-degree misdemeanor. The vehicle was towed from the scene by B&D Towing.

The case has been assigned a court date of June 19 in Brecksville Mayor’s Court.

Growing concern over nitrous oxide abuse

The arrest comes amid a nationwide surge in nitrous oxide-related emergencies. According to recent federal data, deaths from nitrous oxide poisoning rose by more than 110% between 2019 and 2023, with more than 13 million Americans having misused the substance in their lifetimes.

In neighboring Michigan, emergency department visits due to nitrous oxide misuse increased by 757% from 2019 to 2023, while poison control calls jumped 533%. Health officials report the demographic having the most emergencies is young people.

The flavored nitrous oxide products found in this case – including Galaxy Gas and Monster Gas brands – are legally sold at gas stations, convenience stores, vape shops and online retailers. The Food and Drug Administration recently warned consumers against inhaling these products, noting they can cause asphyxiation, blood clots, brain damage, numbness, paralysis and death.

Unlike many controlled substances, nitrous oxide remains largely unregulated despite its growing recreational use. The products are marketed with bright colors and fruit flavors, leading health experts to compare the tactics to those once used by tobacco companies to target younger consumers.

Short-term dangers include hypoxia and confusion, while long-term effects can include nerve damage and depression. The gas, commonly known as laughing gas, is legally used by dentists and doctors as an anesthetic to help patients relax during procedures. It’s also used commercially as a propellant in whipped cream dispensers to create the fluffy texture when making fresh whipped cream.