10 arrested for illegal nitrous oxide sales in Bellflower

BELLFLOWER (CNS) — Ten people were taken into custody for allegedly possessing nitrous oxide, including a gas station clerk in Bellflower accused of selling the illegal substance to nine individuals, authorities said Monday.

Sheriff's deputies and detectives assigned to the Street Takeover Task Force initially responded around 11 p.m. Saturday to the area of McNab and Rosecrans avenues on a report of a possible takeover event, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

When they arrived, no street takeover was occurring, but detectives saw a large gathering in a gas station parking lot in the 10300 block of Rosecrans Avenue.

Sheriff's officials said several individuals were seen ingesting nitrous oxide and consuming alcoholic beverages in the parking lot, and detectives also observed the gas station clerk selling the narcotic.

According to sheriff's officials, 10 individuals were arrested, and the parking lot was littered with dozens of balloons and nitrous oxide tanks.

Nine of the individuals were arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of nitrous oxide, and the store clerk was taken into custody on suspicion of illegal sale of nitrous oxide.

"Nitrous oxide use has become increasingly associated with illegal street takeovers and sideshows, where it is commonly used by both spectators and participants. The illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide create additional public-safety concerns and is frequently encountered alongside the dangerous driving activity associated with these events," sheriff's officials said in a statement.

Sheriff's officials noted that last week in Lynwood, Street Takeover deputies saw a motorist driving a vehicle while ingesting nitrous oxide before crashing into two parked vehicles, injuring a female passenger. The driver was subsequently taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence causing injury.

Anyone with information about planned street takeovers was urged to contact the Lakewood Sheriff Station at 562-623-3500. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.