LSD uptick continues in Santa Cruz County
Over the past month, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said it handled five dangerous incidents involving people high on LSD. One of the incidents ended in a teenager’s death. Sheriff’s deputies say it’s time for the community to recognize the dangers and availability of the drug.
“Many of us have kids and so we look at this kind of like what would we hope for our kids,” said Sgt. Chris Clark of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. “We want them to be successful and this is just a continuation of that.”
Deputies said they noticed an alarming uptick in LSD incidents this winter. Last month, 15-year-old Luke Smith was shot and killed by officers when he allegedly tried to kill his father and uncle while high on LSD. Law enforcement who responded during that incident said an officer fired one lethal shot after all other methods failed.
“It’s affected Luke Smith and his family’s life and you would hope that kids recognize that,” said Clark.
But over the past week and a half more incidents involving LSD and life threatening reactions to the drug. Including a 29-year-old on Highway 17 who fought with CHP Officers and a young man who acted erratically after taking LSD placed on a mint.
“In the year we’ve had 17 case numbers or investigations, incidents into LSD,” said Clark.
Santa Cruz deputies said as of right now they are unsure where the uptick in the use of LSD is coming from.
“We’re looking into that in regards to where this stuff’s coming from,” said Clark.
The Sheriff’s Office is urging people, especially teens and their parents, to call or Facebook them with questions and concerns about the psychedelic drug.
Mental health experts recommend using compassion for those who are struggling with drug abuse.
“Not everyone is ready for treatment or they’re might be some denial about whether they have a problem or not,” said County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency Dr. Vanessa De La Cruz. “But I think the message is that you need to keep trying and help people find that motivation for treatment.”
ORIGINAL STORY: The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is warning people about a recent uptick in LSD-related incidents over the last month. Its an issue we’re following closely. KION also spoke with the sheriff’s office on Friday about a case last week.
On Tuesday, the sheriff’s office issued a public safety message following two more incidents, one on Friday and another on Monday. Deputies say there’s been a total of five LSD-related reports, involving one death and four serious complications endangering the person and those around them.
The sheriff’s office said it noticed the trend following the death of Luke Smith on November 19, after he was killed during an officer-involved shooting near Watsonville. Investigators working on that case said Smith was high on LSD and THC when he stabbed his father and uncle. Law enforcement who responded to the scene said they tried all other means of force to arrest him, but one officer ended up firing his gun.
Four additional incident include:
December 12: CHP officers fought with a man near Highway 17 after he reportedly took LSD.
December 14: A female minor was rushed to the hospital and nearly died after deputies said she reported eating a popsicle with liquid LSD on it.
December 16: A male minor, who reportedly took LSD, nearly caused a crash after having a bad reaction in the back seat of his friend’s car.
December 19: A young man reportedly took LSD placed on a mint, which caused him to behave erratically. The sheriff’s office said he had to be physically restrained until law enforcement could arrive.
The sheriff’s office is asking people to not take drugs and for family members to speak with those who may be at risk. They also said investigators are working to find the source of the drug in the community.
KION’s Maya Holmes will have more on this story at 6PM.
