LOS ANGELES, CA – Ten people were arrested in a Bellflower gas station parking lot Saturday night after deputies found a large group openly inhaling nitrous oxide and drinking alcohol, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The arrests came shortly after 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at a gas station in the 10300 block of Rosecrans Avenue, near McNab Avenue. Nine people were arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of nitrous oxide, and the gas station clerk was arrested on suspicion of illegally selling it, the department said.
An arrest is not a conviction, and the allegations remain subject to the criminal court process.
Deputies respond to a reported street takeover
Deputies and detectives assigned to the Sheriff’s Department Street Takeover Task Force went to the intersection of McNab and Rosecrans avenues after reports of a possible illegal street takeover. The task force is the unit that responds to such gatherings, in which drivers block streets or intersections for stunts.
When they arrived, the detectives determined that no street takeover was taking place. They instead found a large gathering of people and vehicles in the gas station’s parking lot.
Nitrous oxide and alcohol in the parking lot
According to the department, several people in the lot were openly ingesting nitrous oxide and drinking alcoholic beverages. The parking lot was littered with dozens of balloons and nitrous oxide tanks.
Task force personnel believed the gathering was an imminent public safety hazard with a high probability of additional illegal and reckless driving, the department said. It cited the number of people and vehicles, the reported takeover activity in the area and the open use and sale of nitrous oxide.
Clerk seen selling nitrous oxide
Detectives saw the gas station clerk sell nitrous oxide to people at the location, according to the Sheriff’s Department. The clerk was among the 10 people arrested.
Detectives also served a search warrant at the gas station and secured the business after the arrests, according to initial reports. One person ran from the scene and was caught nearby without incident, the department said.
Nine arrested on suspicion of possession
The nine people arrested on suspicion of possession face an allegation under a state law that covers the use of the gas. California Penal Code section 381b makes it a misdemeanor to possess nitrous oxide with the intent to breathe, inhale or ingest it to cause intoxication, elation, euphoria, dizziness, stupefaction or a dulling of the senses.
The section does not apply to nitrous oxide given for medical, surgical or dental care by a licensed person. The Sheriff’s Department did not release the names or ages of those arrested.
Department links nitrous oxide to takeovers and sideshows
The department said nitrous oxide use has become increasingly associated with illegal street takeovers and sideshows, where it is commonly used by both spectators and participants. It said the illegal sale and use of the gas create additional public safety concerns.
The Sheriff’s Department publishes quarterly Street Takeover Statistical Summary reports with data on how often street takeovers occur in the areas it patrols. The page lists reports for the first quarter of 2026 and for each quarter of 2025 and 2024, along with board memos on enforcement.
Lynwood crash cited by the department
The department also pointed to a case from the previous week in Lynwood. It said Street Takeover Task Force deputies saw a motorist drive while ingesting nitrous oxide before crashing into two parked vehicles.
A female passenger was injured in the crash, the department said. The driver was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence causing injury. The department did not say that the Lynwood case is connected to the Bellflower arrests.
Detectives examine commercial distribution
The investigation remains active, according to the Sheriff’s Department. Detectives are examining the commercial distribution of nitrous oxide and are trying to contact the owner of the business.
Anyone with information about planned street takeovers is asked to contact the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station at 562-623-3500. Tips can also be given anonymously to Los Angeles County Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Charging decisions have not been announced
The department had not announced charges against any of the 10 people arrested. The investigation into how the nitrous oxide reached the parking lot continues.
