On September 30th, a Lander Police Department officer was patrolling in the 500 block of North 8th Street, when he observed a motorcycle traveling south on Clinchard Street, which failed to stop at a stop sign.
The officer activated his lights and siren in an attempt to pull the motorcycle over. The driver instead, began accelerating the vehicle through a residential area. The motorcycle continued at speeds over 5mph above the posted speed limit and failed to stop at another stop sign.
The officer noted in court documents, that during the attempt to pull the driver over, he motioned with one hand to the driver as if to signal that he acknowledged police presence.
After traveling for several blocks without stopping, the driver parked in an alley north of the 600 block of Adams Street.
The LPD officer ordered the driver to step off his motorcycle and get on the ground, several times. The driver failed to do so. At that point, the officer took hold of the driver and forced him to the ground. The suspect resisted the arrest and a brief “wrestling match” ensued. Additional LPD officers arrived on scene quickly and were able to assist in the arrest effort.
The subject told officers he saw the police, but wanted to “get his motorcycle home.”
The driver was later identified as 56-year-old William Edwards.
During a search of Edwards, officers located a glass pipe with burnt residue inside his pants pockets. He also had a plastic baggie containing marijuana. The officer noted in court documents smelling a strong odor of alcohol, and that Edwards’ eyes were bloodshot and his speech was slurred. When the officer asked Edwards to do a field sobriety test, he reportedly replied that they, “all knew he was drunk.” During the test, reports indicated that William was “deliberately acting contrary to instructions” and the test was discontinued.
He was given a blood test at SageWest Lander before being transported to jail. Court documents suggest that Edwards was not cooperative for the blood test, and that he had to be restrained. The test indicated that he was above the legal 0.08% blood-alcohol limit.
Edwards was charged with “Felony Driving Vehicle While Under Influence,” “Possession of a Controlled Substance,” and “Fleeing or Attempting To Elude Police Officers.” His preliminary court hearing was waived October 22nd and will be transferred to District Court.
The DUI penalty will likely be enhanced because this is his 4th DUI charge in the last 5 years. The penalty is punishable by up to 7 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000. His additional charges could result in penalties of up to 1 year, 3 months of jail time, and additional fines of up to $1,750.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.