Local Man Blames Cough Syrup For Rampage
NEW SEWICKLEY TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- Cough syrup is being blamed for Joshua Crispino's rampage within his mother's Beaver County home.
Crispino trashed his mother's home, punching the sliding glass door. He also hit her head into a wall and punched an assistant fire chief who tried to help her.
His mother, Deborah Weaver, defends his actions, saying that he was self-medicating from a misdiagnosed mental illness that he's been suffering from.
"He drank Robitussin and it put him on, they call it a 'Robo-High,'" she said.
This 'Robo-High' is a buzz that can be obtained from drinking large doses of Robitussin.
Despite the circumstances, Weaver is glad this incident happened. She says it's getting her son the help he needs.
"They're gonna get him on the right medication, and hopefully on the right track," she said.
Crispino has been charged with simple and aggravated assault and is currently in a psychiatric hospital.
