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Hubbard Block Watch learns of recent increase in cold-medicine abuse
By DANNY RESTIVO
HUBBARD
City police addressed residents regarding a recent spike in crimes involving over-the-counter cold medicine during a local block watch meeting.
Sgt. Howard Haynie talked with attendees at the Hubbard Library on Tuesday night about three incidents that occurred last weekend.
“It’s concerning because it’s children and there’s not much we can do about it,” Haynie said.
He said law enforcement is limited when it comes over-the-counter drug abuse.
Last Friday, two 13-year-old males were caught on surveillance video shoplifting cough syrup at the Dollar General on West Liberty Street, Haynie said.
Another incident occurred the following day when a letter carrier found an unresponsive man lying on a bench in front of the post office on East Liberty Street. Police arrived at 10:35 a.m. and awoke Brandon M. Anthony, 20, of Hubbard. Haynie said the officer found unopened packages of cold medicine in his pocket, as well as drug paraphernalia. The man was arrested and charged with possessing the paraphernalia.
“It’s not a scheduled drug,” said Haynie, in reference to the cough medicine. “You can legally abuse it as long as you’re not in public.”
A third incident occurred at 5:38 a.m. Sunday when an officer noticed a suspicious vehicle parked outside a laundromat on West Liberty Street. Police said Shane Chaney, 19, of Hubbard couldn’t stand when the officer approached the vehicle. Haynie said Chaney had an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court.
After the officer took him into custody, he was put in a holding cell so he could sober up before he was taken to the Trumbull County jail.
Once he sobered up, Chaney told police he took eight doses of cold medicine, Haynie said.
Haynie said parents can stop the problem by putting their medicines in a secure place. He added though that it’s difficult to completely monitor nonprescription drugs because it’s not illegal for stores to sell cold medicine to children.
Chris Gergel, president of Hubbard Block Watch, said communication can help solve the problem.
“I encourage parents to talk with their children,” Gergel said. “Communication is crucial.”
The block watch is open to all residents and meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the library.