x
Breaking News
More () »

Lebanon woman accused of huffing before causing deadly crash

NORTH ANNVILLE TOWNSHIP, LEBANON COUNTY, Pa — Police believe a Lebanon woman was huffing an aerosol can before causing a deadly crash in North Annville To...
sattazahn-mary

NORTH ANNVILLE TOWNSHIP, LEBANON COUNTY, Pa — Police believe a Lebanon woman was huffing an aerosol can before causing a deadly crash in North Annville Township in December 2016.

According to the criminal complaint, on December 11, 2016, Mary Ann Sattazahn, 45, was driving east on West Main Street in North Annville Township, when her SUV veered into the westbound lane and hit 58-year-old Joanne Book’s vehicle head-on. Books, of Delaware County,  was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses of the crash say they saw Sattazahn reaching for something on the passenger side of the floor, according to court documents. The witnesses also said Sattazahn told them she was having chest pains and may have blacked out prior to the crash.

Police searched her vehicle and found five cans of Ultra Duster inside. One of the cans had been opened and the nozzle was found laying on the front passenger side floor of her SUV, according to court documents.

Police say Ultra Duster can be consumed by ‘huffing.’ The process of huffing involves deliberately inhaling chemical vapors for the purpose of getting high.  Ultra Duster has a chemical ingredient of Difluoroethane, which can cause dizziness, confusion and loss of consciousness.

Sattazahn admitted to buying the cans and claimed they were purchased as Christmas gifts, court documents state. She told police she opened one can to clean the air vent in her vehicle, according to the complaint. Sattazahn’s toxicology reports confirmed the presence of Difluoroethane. Sattazahn did admit to having past issues with drug use, court documents state.

Investigators obtained security video from the Walmart located at 100 North Londonderry Square which shows Sattazahn purchasing the Ultra Duster just 10 minutes prior to crashing in North Annville Township.

Sattazahn is charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, sale/illegal use of a certain solvents, DUI, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic lanes.

She also had a previous reckless driving charge out of Palmyra after striking a utility pole on December 1, 2016.

She was arraigned on $10,000 bail, and has since posted bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 10.

 

Before You Leave, Check This Out