State appeals court says huffing chemical not intoxicant
MADISON- A state appeals court says a judge correctly decided to toss out an intoxicated driving charge against a woman who inhaled a chemical from a spray can.
Marilyn Torbeck crashed her car into an Oshkosh ditch last year.
An informant told police Torbeck had a problem with "huffing," or inhaling chemicals to get high. A blood test revealed the substance 1, 1-Difluoroethane, or DFE, a chemical found in air spray cans, in her system. Prosecutors charged her with third-offense operating while intoxicated.
A judge dismissed the case, saying DFE isn't an intoxicant under state law. The 2nd District Court of Appeals agreed, ruling Wednesday that DFE isn't a drug or intoxicant as defined in statute.
A message left at the Winnebago County district attorney's office wasn't immediately returned.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.