County of Bonnville According to court paperwork, a local man has been charged with DUI after he allegedly wrapped his truck around a tree.
One count of driving while intoxicated and one count of refusing or obstructing law enforcement are the charges against 44-year-old Michael Joseph Swanson. Swanson faces a maximum sentence of 11 years in jail and a fine of up to $6,000 if convicted. The charge is more serious because this is Swanson’s third DUI.
According to court documents, on June 30, deputies were called to a collision scene near Burns Creek Road and East Heise Road. According to dispatch, someone had wrapped his truck around a tree.
After arriving on the scene, deputies were able to speak with the person who had reported the event and discovered a white pickup truck with significant front end damage. According to the reporting party, Swanson was spotted consuming twisted teas prior to boarding the white truck and leaving the campground where they were camping.
According to court documents, Swanson requested the reporting party’s assistance in concealing him. Swanson was reportedly sitting in a camp chair in the trees when the deputies arrived. There was no reaction when deputies yelled out.
A man was discovered laying on the ground close to the camp chair by deputies who were patrolling the area. “Jo,” the man introduced himself. According to court documents, he slurred his speech and smelled strongly of alcohol.
Swanson apparently admitted to deputies that it was his friend, not him, who had been operating the truck.
Deputies obtained a blood draw order after he refused to submit to a field sobriety test and was taken to Idaho Falls Community Hospital.
After being taken into custody, Swanson was checked into the Bonneville County Jail.
Wiley R. Dennert, the magistrate, will hear his preliminary hearing on July 15.
Swanson may not have committed these offenses, even though he has been charged with them. Until someone is proven guilty, they are all presumed innocent.
