Prosecutor Requests More Information in Hartland Teen Driver Huffing Case

It is still unclear whether or not the student security guard Sue Hazzard in the school parking lot will face charges, according to Livingston County prosecutor, David Morse.

“We requested some additional investigation from the police and we are awaiting toxicology reports from the lab,” Morse said.

There was no known timeframe on how long those reports could take, but Morse estimated at least another week or so before there would be a decision made in the case.

According to Livingston County Sheriif Bob Bezotte, the 16-year-old driver is suspected of right before passing out at the wheel while trying to exit school grounds on May 15. The 15-year-old passenger could also be charged with aiding and abetting, according to Bezzotte. The passenger is suspected of supplying the aerosol can and rag which the driver used and then hid them in the car before police arrived on the scene.

Huffing, according to Kris Nelson of the Key Development Center in Brighton, is an easy and accessible way for teens, mainly between the ages of 12-17, to receive a quick high. Nelson says that huffing began making headlines around 2002 when reports of kids huffing in whipped cream canisters, computer duster canisters and other small aerosol containers such as Ax cologne.

Although she hasn't heard of other cases being reported in Livingston County, Nelson says she doubts this is an isolated incident.

“I haven’t heard much about huffing because it’s not in the forefront,” she said. “But it’s occurring still.”

With so much news about K2, Nelson says that huffing may have taken a backseat at the moment, but it is still an issue parents need to be aware of, especially since teens are using household items that are accessible on a daily basis. 

When items such as nail polish removers, spray paint, air freshener, hairspray and Freon from the air conditioning units, start to go missing, parents need to be aware and need to trust their instincts.

“The thing about inhalant abuse it that things are accessible in your own home,” Nelson said. “Parents just need to be aware of things that may be happening that they can’t explain.”

Other warning signs that Nelson recommends looking for is:

• Chemical smell on clothing
• Rags or bags sitting out
• Glassy eyes, dazed or dizzy
• Slurred speech
• Unusual breath odor

“If they’re (parents) curious about it or have questions, call one of the substance abuse agencies in the area just to ask them questions,” Nelson said. “A lot of times you just need to trust your gut, if you feel something is going on.”