City Department News

MEDIA RELEASE

Tempe Police Department
July 18, 2012

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sgt. Jeff Glover
480-858-6129
jeffrey_glover@tempe.gov

Suspect on bath salts arrested for trespassing


On 07-15-12 at approximately 08:40 AM, the Tempe Police Department received a call of suspicious activity in a neighborhood south of Country Club Way and Guadalupe Rd. A white male subject, later identified as 23 year old Sean-Paul Branscome, was walking up and down the sidewalk and throwing himself against walls.

While an officer was responding to the call, information was received that Branscome had shed his clothes and was running through the neighborhood naked. It was also reported that Branscome was jumping the fences of some of the homes in the neighborhood.

Tempe Police Officers responded to the area and established a perimeter where Branscome was last seen. Information was received from a nearby resident that Branscome was seen in an alley and was now wearing a garbage bag for clothing. Officers continued to check the area until Branscome was seen running north bound on Kenwood toward Lodge. Officers converged on Branscome and he was taken into custody.

After being arrested, Branscome admitted to officers that he had ingested bath salts. Tempe Fire Department personnel were called to the scene to evaluate Branscome’s condition, as he was under the influence of bath salts. Branscome was transported to a local hospital where he received further medical treatment. Branscome was later transported to Tempe City Jail where he was booked on two counts of trespassing onto a residential yard.

Incident’s like this is of great concern for the community and the Tempe Police Department. The irrational behavior displayed by subjects under the influence of bath salts can lead to violent behavior. Some common signs and symptoms of bath salts are: Severe paranoia, anxious and jittery behavior, lack of appetite, erratic behavior with potential for hallucinations, violence and self-mutilation. If you encounter someone who could potentially be under the influence of bath salts please notify your local law enforcement agency.
Remember the use of bath salts can kill you.

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