A man huffing air dusters drives onto the Uintah football field, nearly hitting people
| by Travis Uresk | May 9th, 2026 |
Vernal, Utah (5/1/26)—Witnesses reported that a truck was driving on the football field, nearly hitting people, hitting a fence, causing damage, and then driving away.
At approximately 7:30 pm, police were advised by dispatch of a hit-and-run that had just occurred at the Uintah High School.
Trooper Lorensen with the UHP was near the area and began looking for the truck matching the description.
After attempting to locate the vehicle, the trooper went to the high school to speak with the complainant. While meeting with him, Trooper Lorensen was shown where the truck had driven in the fenced-off area between the parking lot and the football field. He was also shown the damage that had been caused.
The trooper obtained security camera footage of the incident and was able to clearly see the truck enter the fenced-off area, nearly hit a person, hit fences in multiple locations, drive on grass, drive over the long jump track, and leave the scene. The truck had distinct features that made it recognizable.
Later that night, Trooper Lorensen received a tip that the truck had come back to the school a second time. This time, a witness followed the truck to their home from the high school. The trooper was given the location of where this truck had gone. When he checked this location, he observed a truck that generally matched the reported description parked on private property, some distance from the road. It was dark, and the truck was far enough from the road that the trooper could not positively identify it.
On Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, a report was made of an individual who had been "huffing" while driving. During that investigation, a Uintah County Deputy recognized the vehicle as the same one captured on the security camera footage.
On Sunday, May 3rd, 2026, Trooper Lorensen was notified of a crash involving the potential suspect. He had crashed into someone's property, causing damage. As a result of this crash, the trooper was provided with the identity of my suspect, 30-year-old Jadyn F. Bartlett. It turned out that his home address was where Trooper Lorensen had seen the parked truck, and where the witness had followed his truck the previous Friday night.
During daylight hours, Trooper Lorensen returned to the area near this residence. The truck he was looking for was parked where he had seen it before, and this time he could clearly see that it matched the description. The trooper ran the truck's plate, and Bartlett was the registered owner.
Over the next several days, the trooper followed up with witnesses and gathered additional written statements. Trooper Lorensen wanted to have as much information as possible before he interviewed Bartlett. One of the people he followed up with was the High School's maintenance employee; he estimated the damage at approximately $4,000.
On Friday, May 8th, 2026, the trooper returned to the residence to interview Jadyn. As he was driving near the residence, he saw a white truck near Bartlett’s truck. There was a single occupant of the vehicle, who appeared similar to Barlett. As I was turning my vehicle around, the white pickup was able to get away.
At the house, Trooper Lorensen spoke with Bartlett's grandfather, who granted permission for the trooper to inspect Bartlett's truck. He was able to observe and document damage to the vehicle, consistent with the security camera video, witness statements, and on scene evidence.
While Trooper Lorensen was completing an unrelated task, he received a tip that the white truck had returned to the residence.
The trooper rushed back to the suspect's residence and saw the white truck in the driveway. As he approached the truck, the engine was running, and the driver's door was open. The trooper could clearly see there was a single occupant inside, slumped forward in the driver's seat.
At the passenger side window, the trooper observed Bartlett slumped forward, with a can of air duster in his hand. He then went to the driver's side door to speak with Bartlett, and he slipped the air duster can under the passenger seat.
Bartlett was notified of the trooper's concern related to him being DUI, asking him about his intent to perform a field sobriety test.
After conducting FSTs, Trooper Lorensen interviewed Bartlett about what had happened at the high school the previous Friday. During the interview, Bartlett confirmed he had been the one driving. Indicated bumping into fences in a way that may have caused damage, and mentioned two people running to get out of his way. Two of the witness statements were from those two juvenile girls who had run to get away from Bartlett.
After the interview with Bartlett, he was placed under arrest and consented to a blood test.
Bartlett was booked into the Uintah County Jail on the following charges: DUI with prior felony DUI conviction, reckless driving, failure to comply with duties at a vehicle accident with property damage, and abuse of a phycotoxic chemical solvent.
Traffic and Criminal Report
Inhalant Abuse (Huffing): Dangers and Brain Damage
What’s in Air Dusters That Gets You High?
Chemicals contained in air duster and other inhalants that cause an air duster high include:
Amyl nitrite
Benzene
Butyl nitrite
Butane
Freon
Hexane
Methylene chloride
Nitrous oxide
Propane
Toluene
Trichloroethylene
Inhalant Abuse (Huffing): Dangers and Brain Damage
Inhalant abuse—often called huffing—means breathing in chemical vapors from household or industrial products to get high. Because these products are easy to find, inexpensive, and legal to purchase, young people are especially at risk. Despite that accessibility, inhalants can be deadly on first use and can cause lasting, sometimes permanent, brain damage. If you or someone you love is using inhalants, understanding the dangers, warning signs, and treatment options can help you take the first step toward safety and recovery. This guide explains how inhalants harm the brain, immediate and long-term risks, the unique vulnerability of teens, and how to find effective help now.
What Are Inhalants and Why Are They Abused?
Inhalants are volatile substances that produce chemical vapors affecting the mind and body when inhaled. The four main categories are:
Volatile solvents: paint thinner, gasoline, acetone, toluene (glues), correction fluid- Aerosols: spray paint, deodorant sprays, computer duster, hair spray- Gases: butane, propane, nitrous oxide (whippits/whippets), refrigerants- Nitrites: “poppers” (often used differently and especially risky for the heart and blood vessels)
Common methods include huffing (breathing through a solvent-soaked rag), bagging (inhaling from a bag), sniffing (directly from a container), and inhaling from balloons or dispensers. Young people try inhalants because they’re familiar, easy to hide, and initially produce quick euphoria—but the risks are extreme.
How Inhalants Damage the Brain
Oxygen deprivation (hypoxia): Many inhalants displace oxygen in the lungs and blood, starving the brain of oxygen. Even brief hypoxia can kill neurons. Repeated episodes—common when people take multiple hits in a short period—compound the damage.
Myelin sheath deterioration: Solvents like toluene dissolve lipids that insulate nerve fibers (myelin). Damaged myelin slows or scrambles signals, leading to problems with attention, memory, processing speed, coordination, and balance. Chronic exposure can cause white matter loss (toxic leukoencephalopathy).
Neurotransmitter disruption: Inhalants can acutely disturb dopamine, GABA, and glutamate signaling—systems that regulate reward, mood, impulse control, and learning. Over time, this dysregulation contributes to depression, anxiety, psychosis-like symptoms, and addiction.
Direct neurotoxicity: Many solvents are fat-soluble and accumulate in brain tissue. Their direct chemical toxicity injures neurons and glial cells, accelerating cell death and inflammation.
Brain regions commonly affected:- Frontal cortex: decision-making, judgment, impulse control- Hippocampus: learning and memory- Cerebellum: movement and coordination- Diffuse white matter: connectivity and processing speed
Damage in these areas explains the cognitive and behavioral changes families often notice: poor concentration, slowed thinking, forgetfulness, clumsiness, irritability, and risky decisions.
Short-Term Effects of Inhalant Abuse
Inhalants act within seconds, producing effects that can resemble alcohol intoxication: euphoria, disinhibition, dizziness, slurred speech, and poor coordination. Because the high is brief—often minutes—people may repeat inhalations rapidly, magnifying risk. Short-term effects and dangers include:
Headache, nausea, vomiting- Red, watery eyes; runny nose; chemical taste or odor- Confusion, agitation, or hallucinations- Drowsiness, loss of consciousness, or coma- Seizures- Dangerous slow or irregular breathing- Cardiac arrest
Even when symptoms seem mild, inhalant use can turn fatal without warning.
Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome: A Fatal Risk
Sudden sniffing death syndrome is an abrupt, unexpected cardiac arrest after inhalant use. Many inhalants sensitize the heart to adrenaline, making it prone to lethal arrhythmias (such as ventricular fibrillation). This can happen to healthy first-time users and often occurs during or right after exertion, fright, or excitement. Butane, propane, refrigerants, and aerosol propellants are especially dangerous. Other life-threatening risks include suffocation (bagging), asphyxiation (oxygen displacement), choking on vomit, and fatal accidents due to intoxication. Any inhalant use can be deadly, even once.
Long-Term Brain Damage and Cognitive Effects
Chronic inhalant abuse can cause structural brain changes and lasting cognitive problems. Some impairments may improve with abstinence; others can be permanent, especially after prolonged or severe exposure.
Cognitive impairments:- Short-term and long-term memory loss- Trouble concentrating and learning new information- Slowed thinking and processing speed- Impaired problem-solving and decision-making- Reduced academic or work performance
Neurological damage:- Coordination and balance problems- Tremors, limb spasms, and peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, weakness)- Hearing loss and vision problems- In chronic nitrous oxide misuse, vitamin B12 depletion can damage the spinal cord and peripheral nerves
Psychological effects:- Depression and anxiety- Irritability, apathy, and personality changes- Paranoia or inhalant-induced psychosis
Why adolescents are especially vulnerable: The brain develops through the mid-20s, with the prefrontal cortex (judgment and impulse control) maturing last. Inhalant exposure during this window can derail normal development, increasing the likelihood of enduring cognitive and behavioral deficits. Early, heavy use raises the risk of permanent harm.
Other Health Consequences of Inhalant Abuse
Inhalants can injure nearly every organ system:
Liver and kidneys: Toxic chemicals strain detox organs, leading to inflammation and potential failure.- Lungs and airways: Chemical burns, inflammation, pneumonitis, and chronic cough; risk of hypoxia.- Heart: Arrhythmias, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure.- Blood and bone marrow: Some solvents suppress marrow, causing anemia or immune problems.- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and malnutrition.
These injuries compound brain damage and complicate recovery.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Inhalant Abuse
Physical signs:- Chemical odors on breath, hair, or clothing- Paint or stains on hands, face, or clothes- Red or watery eyes; runny nose; frequent nosebleeds- Sores or rash around the mouth and nose (“glue sniffer’s rash”)- Slurred speech; appearing intoxicated without alcohol
Behavioral signs:- Sudden mood swings, irritability, or agitation- Falling grades or work performance- Loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems- Secretiveness, isolating, or new peer groups- Loss of interest in usual activities
Paraphernalia:- Empty aerosol cans, glue tubes, or solvent containers- Chemical-soaked rags or clothing- Plastic or paper bags with residue- Balloons or whipped cream chargers (whippits/whippets) hidden in rooms, cars, or backpacks
Treatment and Recovery from Inhalant Addiction
Recovery is possible, and earlier intervention improves outcomes. While inhalant withdrawal is usually less medically intense than withdrawal from alcohol or opioids, professional care is important to address safety, co-occurring disorders, and relapse prevention.
Withdrawal: Common symptoms include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, tremors, headaches, and cravings, typically peaking in the first few days. Medical monitoring may be needed if there’s organ damage or severe use.
Evidence-based therapies:- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Build coping skills, manage triggers, challenge thinking patterns.- Motivational Interviewing (MI): Strengthen motivation and commitment to change.- Family therapy: Improve communication, set healthy boundaries, and reduce enabling.- Group therapy and
peer support: Shared accountability and recovery skills.
Levels of care:- Outpatient: Appropriate for mild to moderate cases with stable support at home.- Intensive Outpatient (IOP)/Partial Hospitalization (PHP): More structure and frequency.- Inpatient/Residential: 24/7 support, removal from triggers, ideal for severe use or co-occurring conditions.
Co-occurring disorders: Depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma are common and must be treated alongside inhalant use disorder for the best outcomes.
Medications: There are no FDA-approved medications specifically for inhalant addiction, but clinicians may treat related symptoms (e.g., mood disorders, sleep problems) and medical complications.
Environment and relapse prevention: Remove or secure household products; develop a safety plan; build sober supports; engage in aftercare and ongoing therapy.
Prevention: Protecting Young People from Inhalant Abuse
- Educate early: Use age-appropriate language to explain that inhalants are poisons—not harmless “household items.”- Communicate often: Discuss peer pressure and online trends; listen without judgment.- Supervise access: Secure chemicals, aerosols, and solvents; monitor refills and trash.- School and community programs: Encourage life-skills training and substance education.- Know the signs: Act quickly if you notice warning signs—early intervention matters.- Professional assessment: Don’t minimize experimentation; seek guidance from an addiction professional.
Repeated hypoxia and solvent toxicity can destroy neurons and myelin, causing lasting problems with memory, attention, processing speed, coordination, and mood. Some changes improve with abstinence, but severe or prolonged exposure can lead to permanent deficits.
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