Wrong-way driver admits to huffing before crashing into parked cars in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Drama unfolded in front of the Duval County Courthouse Wednesday morning after a woman drove a car the wrong way on Adams Street crashing into parked cars.

Richard Gordon’s Toyota Prius was one of at least three cars damaged.

“She hit my car hit the car behind me,” said Gordon.

Action News Jax had a crew at the courthouse for a separate case when the incident occurred. Our camera rolled as police repeatedly asked the driver, identified as 50-year-old Christina Lappin, to stop and turn off the car.

Once Lappin opened the door police took the keys from the ignition and then pried away two air duster cans she was holding.

“I heard she was out of her mind on inhalants when she went the wrong way,” said Gordon.

The woman was eventually led to another squad car where she was arrested.

According to the police report, she was driving the rental car without a license and admitted to “huffing”.

The report also said she huffed in front of one of the police officers who was trying to get her to stop the car.

We showed the video to Action News Jax Crime and Safety Expert Ken Jefferson.

“They'll certainly draw blood from her and test her and see what's actually in her system,” said Jefferson.

Jefferson said so-called “huffing” can easily impair the user.

“Huffing has been around for quite some time, it's still prevalent. It's a cheap form of getting high,” said Jefferson.

Gordon happens to be the director of the Duval County drug court program and is moving out of state in a few days.

“I guess it's a good thing I’m no longer going to be here because I can't represent her in the court room after she hit my car,” said Gordon.

MORE WEIRD FLORIDA: 

• Woman, 79, scammed on dating site
• Woman found passed out with sangria at Publix
• Woman catches momma gator herding babies

Gordon had a message for Lappin.

“Get help and fix my car,” said Gordon.

Lappin is facing several charges including driving under the influence and driving without a license.

Cox Media Group