Metro-east man arrested for DUI, dies in hospital over weekend

A Belleville man, who was arrested after he was found inhaling a gas duster in a vehicle, died over the weekend at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, according to Madison County Coroner Stephen Nonn.

The coroner identified the man as 47-year-old Sean P. Sobczak.

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According to Nonn, Sobczak was found by Collinsville police inside a running vehicle in the parking lot of Walmart on Friday afternoon. It appeared that Sobczak was inhaling or “huffing” compressed gas air dusters at the time, Nonn said, and he was arrested for driving under the influence. After Sobczak was taken to the Collinsville Police Department, authorities said he complained of shortness of breath and an ambulance was called to the police department at 4:45 p.m. Friday.

Sobczak was taken to Anderson Hospital in Maryville where he died the next morning. Nonn said Sobczak was pronounced dead at 5:17 a.m. Saturday.

The coroner said an autopsy conducted on Sunday revealed the presence of cardiac disease; however, alcohol and drug testing remained pending as of Monday. Sobczak’s medical history included diabetes and hypertension, which Nonn said will also be evaluated prior to determining the cause of death.

Funeral arrangements were pending on Monday.

This story was originally published July 18, 2016 at 1:04 PM with the headline "Metro-east man arrested for DUI, dies in hospital over weekend."