Man arrested near SF's Golden Gate Park for possession of 100 suspected nitrous oxide tanks

SAN FRANCISCO -- A 32-year-old man was arrested Saturday night near San Francisco's Golden Gate Park for allegedly having a trailer packed with several dozen tanks of nitrous oxide.

The man, who police said was a resident of Philadelphia, Pa., was allegedly found inside the trailer at about 11 p.m. at Fulton Street and 35th Avenue, according to the San Francisco Police Department.

Golden Gate Park was hosting three days of Dead & Company concerts and events with thousands of attendees honoring the Grateful Dead's 60th anniversary and the late musician Jerry Garcia.

Officers patrolling the area surrounding the park during the concerts allegedly noticed the trailer open and illuminated from inside. After approaching, they found roughly 100 tanks of suspected nitrous oxide in the trailer.

"It was an illuminated open trailer, and so they were able to see inside when they observed the male and what appeared to be metal tanks," said SFPD's Public Information Officer Paulina Henderson. "We don't know exactly what he was trying to do."

The suspect was taken into custody on accusations of possession of nitrous oxide and possession with the intent to inhale for intoxication, which was criminalized last year under section 381b of the state penal code.

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is an anesthetic commonly used in surgery and dentistry, and recreational use is illegal.

As summer continues to warm up and people attend more concerts and outdoor events, SFPD wants people to be aware.

"I know that we'll continue to patrol the areas and surrounding neighborhoods," said Officer Henderson. "We are dedicated to keeping everyone safe as they have a good time in our city."

ABC7 News' Frances Wang contributed to this story.