Police say a 27-year-old Milwaukee man overdosed in a parked car while a 2-year-old sat inside, leading to child neglect charges and a round of questions about how the situation got that far. Officers found the man slumped in the driver’s seat and the child unharmed, according to a criminal complaint. The incident unfolded Tuesday near the intersection of 6th Street and Oklahoma Avenue.
What Police Say
Prosecutors say officers discovered Cole Bouchard passed out in the driver’s seat, holding a white metal aerosol can. An officer also reported spotting several Dust-Off cans scattered inside the vehicle, according to WISN 12 News.
The criminal complaint states that Bouchard’s girlfriend told investigators the two are recovering drug addicts and that she had asked him to watch her child. When he failed to pick her up from work and she could not reach him, she reported both Bouchard and the toddler missing, the complaint says.
Why Inhalants Are Dangerous
Compressed-air products and other household aerosols can create a fast but short-lived high and can sometimes trigger seizures or sudden cardiac arrest. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that inhalant use can cause long-term damage to the brain, liver and heart, and that even a first-time episode can be fatal, especially troubling when a small child is nearby. Because these products are widely available and relatively cheap, younger people are more likely to try them, which complicates prevention and safety efforts.
Charges And Next Steps
Bouchard is now charged with child neglect and bail jumping, according to the criminal complaint cited by WISN 12 News. Prosecutors are moving the case through Milwaukee County court, starting with the complaint that lays out the alleged conduct. The initial report did not include public information on upcoming court dates or where the child is currently placed.
Help And Resources
For anyone dealing with substance use, help is available. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration runs a free, confidential National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and offers an online treatment locator and other resources. More information on treatment options and referrals can be found through SAMHSA.
