Gainesville Woman Arrested After Hit-and-Run Crash While Huffing Nitrous Oxide
Daisy Mason Caught Huffing Nitrous Oxide
Gainesville Woman Arrested After Hit-and-Run Crash While Huffing Nitrous Oxide
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 36-year-old Gainesville woman faces multiple charges after allegedly causing a hit-and-run crash while under the influence of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas.
Daisy Mason was arrested Tuesday after rear-ending another vehicle on Southwest Archer Road and fleeing the scene, according to Gainesville Police Department reports. The collision caused substantial damage to the victim’s vehicle and resulted in possible injuries to the other driver.
The incident began when Mason struck the rear of another car on the busy roadway. Rather than stopping to exchange information or check on the other driver’s condition, she continued driving away from the scene. The victim, however, managed to note Mason’s license plate number, providing crucial information that led to her quick apprehension.
When officers arrived at Mason’s residence using the tag information provided by the victim, they discovered her sitting inside her home actively inhaling from a can of “Galaxy Gas” – a product containing nitrous oxide. The situation escalated when officers ordered her to stop using the substance, which she reportedly refused to do.
Body camera footage would likely show officers having to physically remove the can from Mason’s possession before taking her into custody. During their investigation, officers observed multiple cans of Galaxy Gas inside her vehicle, suggesting this was not an isolated incident.
The victim had initially told responding officers that Mason appeared to be under the influence at the time of the crash, a suspicion that was confirmed when police located her at home still engaged in substance use.
Mason was transported to the Alachua County Jail and booked on three charges: leaving the scene of a crash, inhaling a harmful substance, and resisting arrest. The combination of these charges reflects the serious nature of driving under the influence of inhalants and the additional legal consequences of fleeing an accident scene.
Nitrous oxide, while commonly used in medical settings for pain relief, has become increasingly popular as a recreational drug. When inhaled, it can cause dizziness, impaired judgment, and reduced motor coordination – all dangerous conditions for operating a vehicle. The substance is legally available for certain commercial uses, including whipped cream dispensers and automotive applications, making it accessible to those who seek to misuse it.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about impaired driving in the Gainesville area and the dangers posed by drivers under the influence of various substances beyond alcohol. The quick actions of the crash victim in obtaining Mason’s tag number were instrumental in bringing this case to a swift resolution.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges could be filed as more information becomes available. Mason’s vehicle has been impounded as evidence, and she will likely face both criminal proceedings and potential civil liability for damages resulting from the crash.
Anyone with additional information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Gainesville Police Department.
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