Demi Lovato‘s ex-fiancé, Max Ehrich, found himself in legal trouble when he was arrested for possession of nitrous oxide while at a shopping center in Florida.
Ehrich, 35, was booked on August 25, according to the arrest affidavit obtained by Us on Monday, September 14. Officers said that Ehrich called 911, but hung up after the dispatcher picked up.
Officers drove out to the scene and found Ehrich in the bushes. He reportedly had a plastic bag with him that contained a large container of Nitrous Oxide E942, which was labeled “Max Cream Charger.” Authorities added that Ehrich appeared “dazed and showed a lack of balance when standing” when he was located, per the affidavit.
Ehrich allegedly told officers that he wanted to get medicine at his parents’ home, but he did not feel comfortable going to their house. He also said that he had no plans to hurt himself.
Authorities got in touch with his parents, who told them that Ehrich is addicted to nitrous oxide. Ehrich was then arrested for possession of nitrous oxide.
In the affidavit, police noted that they did not witness Ehrich using or inhaling the nitrous oxide. However, they said that “the nozzle being attached suggested that the canister was likely being used” before they arrived at the scene.
Following his arrest, Ehrich was taken to the hospital because he claimed he did not feel well. He was later transported to the jail and was released soon after when he posted bond.
Ehrich has a history of legal issues, and he was previously arrested in October 2025 on charges of domestic violence against a family member. It was later reported that he attacked his mother, Rhonda Ehrich.
Multiple reports stated that Rhonda had told responding officers that she and Max had gotten into a fight over her phone and she claimed he consumed nitrous oxide before he turned violent.
He was released from jail after he posted a $1,000 bond.
Rhonda, for her part, issued a statement via Instagram after his arrest to share her side of the story.
“The only villain in this is the fact that 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 wrote in a statement at the time. “He now is in rehab and he is getting the treatment he needs.”
She added, “A mother knows who their son is and isn’t. Those who know the real Max Ehrich know him for the kind, respectful, loving and talented young man that I’m proud to say is my incredible inspirational, brilliant, clean living amazing son. Max is devastated and extremely apologetic that the world had to watch him fall from grace.”
A rep for Max did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment regarding his arrests.
Max is an actor who previously made headlines for his short-lived romance with Lovato, 34. The former couple began dating in March 2020 and were engaged by July of that year. They then called it quits after six months together in September 2020.
Lovato previously reflected on their whirlwind romance and admitted she “rushed into something” and “didn’t actually know the person that I was engaged to” in her 2021 YouTube documentary, Dancing With the Devil.
“The hardest part of the breakup was mourning the person that I thought he was … but I’m not the only one who felt fooled. I was just as shocked as the rest of the world at some of the things that were said and done,” the “Heart Attack” singer said.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
