St. Augustine podiatrist accused of huffing and driving has third run-in with police since Monday

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — In the 24 hours since Action News Jax first learned of Dr. James Militello's arrest, new information was obtained showing the St. Augustine podiatrist has had a third run-in with deputies.
 
On Monday, deputies responded to reports of Militello driving recklessly on U.S. 1 North near the St. Augustine airport.
 
On Wednesday, St. Augustine police arrested Militello after police said he swerved off the road, damaging an electric pole, on U.S. 1 near Arapaho Street.
 
Action News Jax obtained new information that on Thursday evening Militello was ticketed for reckless driving on U.S. 1 near International Golf Parkway. Police said Militello, 61, had a can of electronics duster with him and tossed it in the woods.

According to police, Militello had cans of electronics duster on each of his three run-ins with deputies this week.

Freda Colley is a prevention specialist with Gateway Community Services.
 
She said huffing can be harmful and dangerous.
 
"It can kill billions and billions of brain cells just by the very first time of use," Colley said.

Colley has spent the last 15 years as a prevention specialist. She said using inhalants is typically something children do.

"Usually by the age of 26 or 27 at the latest, they have usually outgrown this behavior," Colley said.

According to inhalant.org, inhalants are the fourth most-abused substance after alcohol, tobacco and marijuana.

Militello was arrested only once because huffing effects are hard to detect and usually last only 10 to 20 minutes.
 
"That's one of the big things -- you cannot test for this like you can for alcohol. They don't have a Breathalyzer for that," Colley said.
 
Action News Jax went to Militello's home and office to get a comment, but he wasn't at either place.

A St. Johns County deputy has confirmed to Action News Jax that Militello is in rehab.

A woman working at Militello's office said she couldn't comment.

WJAX