Gainesville Police arrested a man for inhaling a compressed gas duster and crashing into two vehicles while trying to get away from police.
David Yates, 33, was charged with inhaling harmful chemicals and attempting to elude a police officer.
A GPD officer responded to a call about a man passed out behind the wheel of his car Sunday around 8:25 a.m., according to the report.
When the officer arrived at 1627 NW 10th Terrace, she saw Yates slumped over in the driver seat with a 10-ounce can of Waxford compressed gas duster, according to the report. The car was on and still in drive.
While trying to wake Yates, the officer saw him lift his head slightly and deeply inhale from the can, according to the report. Yates then slumped forward, his head landing on the car horn making it go off until he shifted his head.
The officer went around to the other side of the car and saw the rear passenger window was cracked, according to the report. She yelled through the window for Yates to put the car in park and unlock it. Yates roused a little, so the officer kept shouting and banging on the window.
The officer went to the front passenger window and commanded him to unlock the car, according to the report. Yates allegedly looked straight at the officer, deeply inhaled from the can, put his hand on the steering wheel and sped away. As soon as he put his hand on the wheel the officer broke the window and yelled at him to stop.
Yates crossed the street and crashed into a vehicle, then drove through a yard and continued down the street before he crashed into another vehicle, according to the report. Yates’ car wasn't able to be driven because of the second crash and the officer was able to take him into custody.
After being read the Miranda Rights, Yates said he did see the officer and knew that she was law enforcement. He said he sped off because he “panicked.”
Yates remained in the Alachua County Jail on Sunday and Monday in lieu of a $45,000 bond.
Follow Devoun Cetoute on Twitter @devoun_cetoute and contact him at dcetoute@alligator.org.
