TROY (WWJ) – A Sterling Heights man is in trouble with the law after Troy police caught him speeding through a red light while allegedly high on nitrous oxide.
Officers initiated a traffic stop after seeing him run a red light in a Ford Focus at Wattles and Dequindre around 8 p.m. last Saturday, but he allegedly kept speeding away and side-swiped a patrol car.
He then drove into a parking lot before slamming on his brakes, causing another collision that disabled his vehicle, according to police.
When he was arrested at the scene, officers noticed he appeared confused and sluggish. That's when authorities searched his car and found "numerous large cans of whipped cream propellant."
Nitrous oxide is used to propel whipped cream out of cans, but it can also be inhaled to achieve a high. When used this way it is known as "whippits."
Officers took the driver to the Troy Police Lock-up facility, where he was read his chemical test rights and refused to submit to a blood test. His blood was eventually drawn after authorities got a search warrant.
While the case has turned over to the Troy Police Department's Detective Bureau for appropriate warrants, authorities have not said what charges he may face.
The suspect's name has not been released.
