SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 10, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Salt Lake City Police officers have arrested nine people for suspected driving under the influence (DUI) between last Sunday and today.
In one case, at 2:07 a.m. today, officers arrested a 27-year-old woman who crashed her car into a house, causing damage to both the house and car. Based on the preliminary investigation, the driver is accused of operating her car while impaired, losing control, and crashing into an occupied house.
The homeowner told officers that the crash damaged the home’s foundation and broke out at least one window. No one inside the home was injured. Officers on scene also observed damage to the curb, a tree, a fence, and the grass. Officers booked the driver into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges that include DUI and other vehicle-related offenses.
In another case, cited in a SLCPD news release issued today, officers responded on Thursday in the lower Avenues. When an SLCPD officer arrived, a community member pointed out a car leaving the scene. When the officer stopped the 57-year-old man, the officer noticed a strong smell of alcohol coming from him.
The officer asked for the man’s driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. The man struggled to provide his driver’s license and instead, kept handing the officer a service invoice.
Officers requested the assistance of the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Motor Squad. During the investigation, officers found an open container of box wine in the passenger footwell.
Officers booked the 57-year-old man into the Salt Lake County Jail on charges that include DUI – with two or more offenses in the past 10 years, having an open container, driving on a suspended license, hit and run, and other vehicle-related offenses, the news release says.
“Impaired driving is incredibly dangerous, and the numbers we see here only tell a fraction of the story,” SLCPD Chief Mike Brown said in the prepared statement. “Whether impaired by alcohol or drugs, there is simply no excuse for endangering the lives of our community. Our message is simple — just don’t drive impaired.”
Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
