CLEARFIELD – A man accused huffing paint inside a car in the presence of an infant waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.
Jason Erskine, 26, is charged with endangering the welfare of children, resisting arrest, sale or illegal use of certain solvent or noxious substances.
According to court records Tpr. Ryan Henshel was on patrol when he observed a car parked along Pardee Road in Morris Township.
Henshel reported that when he approached the vehicle the driver’s side window was rolled down a by a woman. He stated that he detected the strong odor of aerosol paint. He also reported observing the passenger, Erskine, placing something under his seat.
Henschel identified both the driver and Erskine. He noted that he observed a child’s seat that held an infant in the backseat of the vehicle.
The trooper noted that due to Erskine’s movements he was removed from the vehicle. Erskine then fled the scene on foot. Henschel pursued on foot while another trooper followed in a patrol vehicle.
Erskine was eventually apprehended and taken into custody. Henschel noted in the affidavit of probable cause that the driver of the vehicle said she had driven Erskine to the location so he could huff paint every night fore more than a month.
Henschel noted that he could see in plain view a Mt. Dew bottle that contained silver paint. He also reported seeing a can of silver spray paint. He also noted that Erskine was visibly intoxicated, with slurred speech and diminished motor skills.
It is unknown if the driver of the vehicle will be charged in the incident.
Erskine is currently being held in Clearfield County Jail.
