A bus driver has been arrested for allegedly passing out behind the wheel while attempting to consume a bag of THC gummies.
Boston bus driver Jinhuan Chen unexpectedly passed out on I-95 in Stratford while driving over 38 passengers back in March. Just a few days ago, he was arrested at his home in connection to the shocking incident and charged with 38 counts of first-degree reckless endangerment.
Chen was discovered to have a high level of THC in his bloodstream, which is known as the active ingredient in marijuana, after consuming a bag of what he believed to be just gummy candies. Thankfully, no one was injured as a result of the event.
During his court appearance, Chen spoke through a Chinese interpreter claiming he was not aware the gummies contained THC, “I didn’t know it was marijuana. I didn’t know.”
CT Post reported on the incident that happened:
According to state police, shortly after 3 p.m. on March 13, a trooper was dispatched for reports of a coach bus on the side of I-95 southbound near Exit 30 in Stratford.
State police said the driver, later identified as Chen, was slumped in the driver’s seat unconscious. One of the passengers told the trooper he saw Chen eating something from a bag next to his seat before he passed out.
Police said they found an open bag of “Smokies Edibles Cannabis-Infused Fruit Chews” next to the driver.
Chen was taken to Bridgeport Hospital where police said he was found to have a high level of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, in his bloodstream.
Police said the passengers, given a choice to wait for a new bus, chose instead to use a ride-sharing service to get home.
Manager of the bus company Victor Chen stated:
“He doesn’t drink, he doesn’t smoke, but he has a sweet tooth and likes candy.”
“This would never have happened a couple of years ago, but now there’s marijuana everywhere here.”
The Daily Wire reported:
Some have claimed that it’s difficult to tell the difference between certain marijuana products and candy or snack packaging. An April study published in the Drug and Alcohol Dependence journal warned that some marijuana edibles packaging looks nearly identical to name-brand candies such as Nerds Rope and snacks like Doritos Nacho Cheese chips.
After the incident, the driver was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was discovered to have a high level of THC in his blood. A $25,000 bond has been ordered for Chen, with the case planning to continue in August.
Sources: TheDailyWire, AssociatedPress, CT Post
