Police Say Oregon Woman Using ‘Space Gas’ Tried to Run Down Two Boys With Her SUV

GRESHAM, Ore. — Gresham Police believe that a 28-year-old woman was using ‘space gas’ while chasing youngsters with her vehicle on Monday, December 1.

Alyssa Jean Williams has been charged with four counts of unlawful use of a weapon. She was arraigned on Tuesday and is scheduled to appear in court on December 30.

Tidings Context
Under Oregon law, using a car to threaten or try to hit someone can be charged as unlawful use of a weapon if no one is struck, because a vehicle counts as a weapon.

According to court documents, the police received a priority threat call at the Dollar Tree on NE 181st Avenue. Dispatchers said a 12-year-old boy claimed that a woman was trying to run him and a friend down in her gray Kia SUV. She was also giving them abusive hand signals.

When contacted by the police, Williams claimed that the youngsters threw rocks at her car. However, the police could find no evidence to support her claim.

Court documents also reveal that officers noticed a large canister of nitrous oxide (space gas or laughing gas) propped between her legs. The police believed that Williams was inhaling the gas.

Tidings Insight
Space gas is nitrous oxide, a compressed gas sometimes misused for a quick high. Inhaling it can cause dizziness, blackouts and impaired judgment, which can be especially dangerous when someone is behind the wheel.

The youngsters told [police that Williams had called them the ‘n’ word, and a Dollar Tree employee told officers that the youngsters were frightened and shaken by the incident.

Williams has no prior criminal history, according to court records.

Here is a quick timeline of the incident and charges:

Tidings Timeline
  • Dec 1 – Priority call reports SUV chasing two boys near a Dollar Tree on NE 181st Avenue.
  • Officers stop the gray Kia, interview witnesses and note a large nitrous oxide canister inside.
  • Williams is arrested and booked on four counts of unlawful use of a weapon.
  • Dec 2 – She is arraigned in court on the charges.
  • Dec 30 – Next court appearance is scheduled.

 

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