A Houston dentist, Christopher Pedlar, 39, was arrested for the third time since October on charges related to nitrous oxide, a gas used in dental procedures. He was taken into custody after leading officers on a brief chase when a patrol supervisor attempted to stop him for speeding. Pedlar later admitted to "huffing" the substance while driving, as reported by ABC13.
According to ABC13, UTHealth professor Pedlar was arrested after a brief chase for speeding, during which officers found 107 nitrous oxide canisters in his car, including one attached to a mask that was ice-cold, indicating recent use. "When they questioned him, he admitted to inhaling the gas," a hearing officer said. Pedlar told officers he had been using nitrous oxide all day. A previous incident involved 112 canisters found in his vehicle.
Texas dentist Pedlar, licensed since 2012, has faced legal issues over nitrous oxide since 2017, yet his license remains active. Recently arrested with 107 canisters while driving, he now faces multiple misdemeanor charges, including possession of a volatile chemical and fleeing police, as mentioned by ABC13. "It’s a very sad situation of becoming a professional, the very product that they use, 107 canisters is substantial, he had been using it while they were driving around," said Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen. His university profile was removed, though his job status remains unclear. Out on $10,000 bond, he is under investigation, as stated by KHOU.
