At least four people have been arrested following a rash of K2 overdoses outside a Tulsa soup kitchen and throughout the city.
On Tuesday, October 20, 10 people became ill, exhibiting symptoms of K2 overdose outside the soup kitchen in downtown Tulsa. Soon, more cases became apparent around the city, and by Thursday, at least 28 people--including a 12-year-old--had been hospitalized in Tulsa after overdosing on "pink bubblegum" K2.
Now, police have arrested at least four people in connection with the incident. Two are charged with drug distribution; two others are charged with drug possession and public intoxication.
One suspect, Bamf Okeith Hunter, 29, was discovered with two bags of K2, several rolled K2 cigarettes, and loose K2. Hunter was arrested on complaints of possession with intent to distribute and public intoxication. He told police that he purchased the K2 from a nearby convenience store.
Police then served a search warrant at the Phillips 66 station in the 5500 block of East 11th Street, and found hundreds of bags of pink bubblegum K2. They arrested the cashier, identified as Abdur Rahim, 47, on complaints of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
The remaining two arrests were men who were found to be in possession of and under the influence of K2 during the overdose outbreak.
One man, Victor Ray Matthews, 20, was hospitalized during the incident after police responded to a call about an intoxicated man who had fallen into some bushes. Police described him as belligerent and aggressive before he fell unconscious and began suffering seizures. He was hospitalized for K2 overdose. After he was released from the hospital, he was charged with possession of synthetic drugs and public intoxication.
Another man, Thomas John Collishaw, 21, was also charged with K2 possession and public intoxication.
Although K2 is frequently considered "synthetic marijuana," it is important to note that the effects of K2 are often much more severe, and use of synthetic drugs is particularly dangerous since synthetic drug manufacturers are continually tweaking the formulas and chemical combination in an effort to circumvent drug laws.
Possession of a synthetic controlled substance with intent to distribute is a felony drug crime punishable by a maximum life sentence and a fine of up to $25,000--even as a first offense.
Learn more about Oklahoma's synthetic drug laws, or call Coventon Criminal Defense at (405) 417-3842 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a drug defense lawyer in Oklahoma.
