Woman Caught Huffing In Car With Child Sentenced
WARSAW — A North Manchester woman who was found slumped over her steering wheel in the Kmart parking lot after inhaling vapors with her child in the vehicle was sentenced today, July 31, in Kosciusko Circuit Court.
Lauren Mykal Patterson, North Manchester, was sentenced on neglect of a dependent, a level 6 felony, and inhaling toxic vapors, a class B misdemeanor.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, on March 6 an officer with the Warsaw Police Department was flagged down in front of Owen’s by a male citizen. The man advised the officer of a female slumped over the steering wheel in a white van with a small child present in the Kmart parking lot. The man thought the child was scared based on the way she was moving and yelling.
The officer arrived at Kmart and located the white van. Patterson was in the driver seat with a small child in the back. The affidavit states that Patterson appeared to be in an “altered” state of mind and was pale in the face.
The affidavit states that a can of Ultra Duster was sitting between the driver seat and the driver’s door, with another can of air duster sitting in the center console. The air duster in the console was cold and wet to the touch, consistent with the product being used.
The affidavit continues, saying medics arrived to treat Patterson. She admitted to them that she had been huffing, advising she had been in the parking lot for two hours. She then advised the officer on scene that the inhalants make her lightheaded and she typically passes out.
In court, Patterson stated that she had a problem. She admitted that every time she is released from custody she goes and gets high, only to be immediately arrested again. She asked the court to sentence her to community corrections or work release where she can get treatment.
Judge Michael Reed showed concern for Patterson’s wellbeing, stating that he has never seen someone who abuses inhalants like Patterson does and not have permanent brain damage.
Judge Reed sentenced Patterson to one year at the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department for neglect of a dependent, and 180 days for inhaling toxic vapors. These sentences will be served concurrently.
Patterson was previously sentenced or is awaiting sentencing in a different court. Once those matters are dealt with, Judge Reed stated he will consider recommending community corrections so Patterson can get help with her inhalant abuse.