UTHealth Assistant Professor Arrested in Heights with 108 Canisters of Nitrous Oxide

A UTHealth School of Dentistry assistant professor and dentist was arrested Sunday night, February 9, after a Harris County deputy found him in possession of 108 canisters of nitrous oxide during a traffic stop in the Heights.

A deputy with Constable Alan Rosen’s Office attempted to pull over a speeding vehicle when the driver initially refused to stop. Once he complied, the deputy observed the canisters inside the vehicle. The driver, identified as Dr. Christopher Michael Pedlar, admitted to “huffing” nitrous oxide throughout the day.

After the Harris County District Attorney’s Office accepted charges, Pedlar was taken into custody. Authorities later discovered he was already out on a $5,000 bond from Harris County for a similar offense.

Pedlar has been charged with possession of a volatile chemical. His profile at the school’s website has been deleted.