Demi Lovato’s ex-fiancé Max Ehrich nabbed for nitrous oxide in Florida

Max Ehrich, 35, was arrested on August 25 in Florida after police found him in a shopping‑center parking lot holding a plastic bag with a large container of nitrous oxide. Officers said he had called 911 but hung up when the dispatcher answered.

He was booked for possession of the substance, labeled “Max Cream Charger.”

Ehrich is the former fiancé of singer‑songwriter Demi Lovato, with whom he was engaged in July 2020 before ending their six‑month relationship in September of that year. The two had a brief but highly publicized romance that drew intense media attention. The arrest marks a sharp turn from their past celebrity spotlight.

The incident matters not only for Ehrich’s legal record but also for the ongoing discussion of substance abuse and mental health among public figures. It also raises questions about the support systems in place for individuals with a history of domestic violence and addiction.

The case highlights how quickly personal struggles can spill into the public eye.

## Background & Context

, officers first received a 911 call from Ehrich, which was immediately disconnected after the dispatcher answered. The police then drove to the scene and located him hiding in bushes near the shopping center. The affidavit notes he appeared dazed and unsteady when standing.

During the search, officers found a plastic bag containing a large nitrous oxide canister marked “E942.” Authorities observed that the nozzle was attached, suggesting the canister was likely being used before their arrival.

Ehrich told officers he wanted to obtain medicine at his parents’ home but did not feel comfortable going there and said he had no plans to harm himself. Police contacted his parents, who confirmed his addiction to nitrous oxide and expressed concern over his condition. He was subsequently arrested for possession of the inhalant.

## What Happened

The police affidavit explicitly states that they did not witness Ehrich using or inhaling the nitrous oxide, but the attached nozzle led them to suspect active use. The evidence was sufficient for a charge under Florida’s possession laws. No further medical evaluation was reported at the time of arrest.

Ehrich’s legal troubles are not new; he was previously arrested in October 2025 on domestic‑violence charges after an alleged attack on his mother, Rhonda Ehrich. , Rhonda said the confrontation stemmed from a fight over her phone and that Max had consumed nitrous oxide before becoming violent. He was released after posting a $1,000 bond.

## Reactions & Legal History

Rhonda issued a statement on Instagram following her son’s arrest, saying, “The only villain in this is my son was kidnapped and forced to ingest a dangerous substance.

My son is my best friend and one of the best people I know.” She added that he is now in rehab and receiving treatment, and described him as a kind, respectful, loving young man.

A representative for Ehrich has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding his latest arrest. Ehrich’s acting career has been marred by the 2020 engagement with Lovato, who previously called their romance “a rush” in her 2021 documentary.

The couple’s brief relationship remains a point of public interest as new legal issues surface.

As the legal process unfolds, observers will watch how Ehrich’s past incidents influence the outcome of his current charge. The case underscores the broader challenges faced by celebrities who struggle with substance abuse and domestic‑violence allegations.

Meanwhile, Lovato and her former fiancé move forward, each dealing with their own public narratives.