A resident called the poilce about a suspicious occupied vehicle in their neighborhood, according to the Fullerton Police Department.
When the police officers arrived, they contacted a 50-year-old male who wasn’t exactly in the mood to follow directions.
Instead of listening, he ignored every command…mostly because he was too busy taking repeated hits from a NOS tank while officers stood at his window. (Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) is a chemical compound often called “laughing gas,” used in medical anesthesia and sometimes recreationally (though that’s illegal and dangerous).
Concerned he might try to drive off under the influence and hurt someone, the officers safely blocked his vehicle in. Even then, he refused to step out and instead expressed his feelings using the universal one-finger “emoji.”
The officers warned the suspect that they’d have to break the window. His response? “Go ahead.” So… they did.
Eventually, the suspect was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody without further incident (or additional finger commentary).
The FPD appreciates the resident who called this in. If something feels off in your neighborhood, let the police know—preferably before someone turns their car into a NOS-powered bad idea.
Here are the likely penalties the suspect could face under California law for the described behavior:
Criminal Charges and Penalties
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID):
- Treated similarly to alcohol DUI.
- First offense:
- Fines and fees totaling $1,000+ (often over $13,000 after assessments and programs).
- License suspension: Typically 6 months.
- Mandatory DUI education program: 3–9 months.
- Possible jail time: Up to 6 months in county jail.
- Probation: Usually 3–5 years.
- Possession or Use of Nitrous Oxide for Intoxication:
- Illegal under California Health & Safety Code §381b.
- Misdemeanor penalties:
- Up to 6 months in jail.
- Fines up to $1,000.
- Failure to Comply with Lawful Orders / Resisting:
- Could add a misdemeanor resisting arrest charge.
- Penalty: Up to 1 year in county jail and fines up to $1,000.
Additional Consequences
- Vehicle Impound: Car may be towed and held at owner’s expense.
- Court Costs and Legal Fees: Thousands of dollars beyond fines.
- Criminal Record: Convictions remain on record, affecting future opportunities.
Impact on Employment
- Jobs requiring driving (delivery, CDL, rideshare) likely lost due to license suspension.
- Professional licenses (healthcare, education, etc.) may face disciplinary action.
- Background checks will show misdemeanor or DUI conviction, limiting job prospects.
Impact on Auto Insurance
- Premiums can double or triple for 3–5 years.
- SR-22 filing required for license reinstatement.
- Some insurers may cancel coverage; high-risk policies may be needed.