Boulder Sheriff: 'Dangerous Undertaking' To Take LSD Users Into Custody

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4)- The Boulder County Sheriff believes that LSD use is on the rise given the increase in the number of arrests of those under the influence of the hallucinogenic drug.

"Early this morning actually, we had to respond to a young lady having a very bad trip," said Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle.

On Monday night, Boulder Police officers shot and killed CU student Samuel Forgy, 22, who was naked and carrying a hammer. They said he ignored orders to put down the weapon after earlier in the evening he allegedly attacked several people with a knife. His neighbors told police they believed he was high on LSD.

In the past month, authorities in Boulder County said they have responded to more LSD-related calls than usual. Rehab and recovery centers are also encountering more people saying they've taken the drug.

Pelle said often, people who have taken the drug often experience a break from reality which makes it nearly impossible for deputies to reason with them.

"It's physically exhausting, frustrating, you know, and a dangerous undertaking to take these people into custody," said Pelle.

In a recent encounter Pelle said it took five officers to restrain one man who had taken LSD.

Although the cases haven't been linked by toxicology reports, the trend is enough to raise concerns.

The Boulder County Drug Task Force made some progress this week by seizing LSD and mushrooms in two separate investigations.

Those busts will limit supply on the streets but Pelle said it's important for parents to be aware of this trend, "Running across a drug-crazed maniac in the middle of the street is probably less likely than having a problem in your own home."