Redding Police apprehended Chan Saechin, 39, following a vehicle chase prompted by his alleged inhalation of nitrous oxide while driving. The incident began around 1 p.m. when an officer on patrol noticed Saechin’s blue Toyota Camry parked on Benton Drive near Loma Street. The officer recognized both the vehicle and Saechin from a previous day’s arrest for a similar offense.
According to police, Saechin had been caught inhaling nitrous oxide in the same car during the earlier incident, after which his vehicle was impounded and he was issued a DMV priority re-evaluation notice.
As the officer approached the car on Tuesday, Saechin allegedly began inhaling from a nitrous oxide canister once more. Upon spotting the officer, Saechin fled westbound on Benton Drive, prompting the officer to initiate a pursuit.
The chase ended abruptly when Saechin’s vehicle collided with a City of Redding pickup truck, causing his Toyota Camry to overturn. Officers found Saechin inside the overturned vehicle, still inhaling from the canister, police reported.
Medical personnel evaluated Saechin at the scene before he was taken into custody. He faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence, driving while addicted to a drug, fleeing or eluding a peace officer, and unlawful possession of nitrous oxide.
