Friday, Jan. 22, 2010

Man arrested after using pepper spray

GUSTINE -- A Turlock man was arrested Monday morning in Gustine after he used pepper spray on another driver, according to the Merced Sheriff's Department.

Stanley Sullens, 41, of Turlock, allegedly sprayed Victor Jhawar, 49, of Livingston, when Jhawar approached Sullens' vehicle to ask for directions, the sheriff's department said.

Sullens told sheriff's deputies that he followed Jhawar for several miles because he was driving erratically. Jhawar stopped and approached Sullens' vehicle. An argument followed, and Sullens thought Jhawar was going to assault his friend, so he leaned over and sprayed pepper spray in Jhawar's face.

Sullens, who is on parole for manslaughter in Stanislaus County, was arrested on charges of misuse of pepper spray and being a convicted felon in possession of pepper spray. Jhawar was treated by paramedics and later arrested by the California Highway Patrol on suspicion of driving under the influence of prescription medication.

Both Sullens and Jhawar have posted bail, the sheriff's department said.