They call it laughing gas, but when Onondaga County Sheriff’s deputies apprehended a 30-year-old motorist suspected of being high on nitrous oxide on June 8 in Mattydale, it was clearly no laughing matter.
Shortly after 7 a.m. that Monday morning, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported assault-in-progress upon a Mattydale Fire Department Emergency Medical Technician at the fire department’s parking lot at 172 East Molloy Road in the town of Salina. Dispatchers from the county’s 911 system had received an emergency distress call from an EMT’s portable radio. Upon arrival, deputies located the injured EMT and the suspect, who was still on scene.
Witnesses told deputies that the suspect – Andrew Kinel, 30, of Syracuse – was observed sitting in a damaged Mazda 6 vehicle when the 22-year-old EMT approached to check on the driver’s well-being. The suspect, who appeared under the influence, began to physically assault and choke the EMT, according to Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Jon Seeber.
Smash and grab
Before long, investigators learned why the Mazda was all banged up. Kinel had just crashed into the doorway at Zonen Ltd., a tobacco shop at 6697 Old Collamer Road in East Syracuse, for the purpose of committing a burglary.
“The suspect utilized his vehicle to breach the doors to the business to steal numerous nitrous-oxide cartridges, also known as ‘whippits,’ which he later inhaled,” Seeber said.
What Seeber refers to as “whippits” are whipped-cream chargers, a 2.5-inch steel cylinder or cartridge filled with nitrous oxide (N2O) that is used as a whipping agent in a whipped-cream dispenser.
Whippit abuse is particularly heavy in the United Kingdom, experts estimate that nitrous oxide is routinely used by almost half a million young people at nightspots, festivals and parties.
Mental dexterity affected
Those under the influence of the gas are generally described as stuporous, dreamy and sedated, some people also “get the giggles” and frequently erupt in laughter.
Exposure to nitrous oxide also causes short-term decreases in mental performance, audiovisual ability and manual dexterity. These effects coupled with the induced spatial and temporal disorientation could result in physical harm to the user from environmental hazards. Just ask Andy Kinel.
Deputies charged him with five crimes: second-degree assault, criminal obstruction of breathing, third-degree burglary, second degree criminal mischief and petit larceny. He was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital for medical evaluation and later to the Corbett Justice Center.
The EMT victim, who sustained a neck injury and lacerations, was also transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
History of nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide was first synthesized in 1772 by English philosopher-chemist Joseph Priestley.
A quarter century later, Cornish chemist Humphry Davy coined the term “laughing gas” which instantly became a faddish indulgence for the British upper class. By 1799, laughing gas parties were all the rage.
Starting in the 19th century, widespread availability of the gas for medical and culinary purposes allowed the recreational use to expand greatly throughout the world. That use has obviously continued unabated into the 20th and 21st centuries.
Last word
Lawn sign at Park and Tulip streets:
“Do right. Seek justice. Defend the oppressed.”
–Isaiah
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