Madison — Madison police say officers recovered 10 nitrous oxide tanks and made eight arrests or citations while patrolling crowds around the Kohl Center during the opening night of a two-night Phish run.
What residents need to know
Police described three separate incidents Tuesday night in which officers encountered people selling or using nitrous oxide near concert crowds. The stops occurred amid large numbers of concertgoers around the Kohl Center and nearby streets.
The first incident unfolded about 10:40 p.m. near North Frances and West Johnson streets. Officers found two people slumped in a running vehicle; investigators say the driver appeared impaired. After a legal blood draw, the driver was arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated and possession with intent to distribute nitrous oxide, along with other drug-related charges. The passenger was also arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to distribute nitrous oxide and additional drug offenses. Investigators recovered nine nitrous oxide tanks from that vehicle. Police said the driver told officers they had traveled from New Jersey for the concert.
The second encounter involved a man seen inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon. Officers found open intoxicants and items that led to citations for four people from Utah and Colorado for possession of nitrous oxide and possession of psilocybin mushrooms. A nitrous oxide canister was also recovered from their vehicle.
In the third incident, officers stopped a vehicle with two people from South Carolina who are believed to have intended to distribute nitrous oxide. Police recovered a nitrous oxide tank and a handgun; officers said neither person held a concealed carry permit.
- People charged or cited: Eight (all from out of state, according to police)
- Items seized: 10 nitrous oxide tanks/canisters, a handgun
- Locations: Areas around the Kohl Center, including North Frances and West Johnson
"Three separate incidents that we had with officers essentially running into someone who was selling or using that nitrous oxide," said Madison Police Spokesperson Stephanie Fryer.
Context and enforcement plans
Madison police told reporters they have previously encountered people selling nitrous oxide outside local music venues and that such activity is not uncommon. Patrols were active during the first concert and officials said they planned continued presence for the second night.
The arrests and recoveries highlight ongoing enforcement challenges around large events where out-of-state visitors gather. Madison police did not provide additional booking details, or the exact charges for each person beyond those described, and said investigations remain active.
| Incident | People involved | Items recovered |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic stop, 10:40 p.m. | Driver and passenger (from New Jersey) | 9 nitrous oxide tanks |
| On-scene inhalation | Group from Utah and Colorado (4 cited) | 1 canister, psilocybin mushrooms |
| Vehicle stop | Two people from South Carolina | 1 nitrous tank, handgun (no concealed-carry permit) |
Madison residents and visitors planning to attend the remaining concert show or other large events should expect visible police presence and random patrols near music venues. The Madison Police Department is leading the investigation and will provide further details as cases move forward.
