A Chase That Ends Near the Bar District
A late-night police pursuit in Pocatello, Idaho, ended with the destruction of a local landmark vehicle and felony charges for a 24-year-old man authorities say was driving drunk. The incident began just before dawn on Nov. 30, when officers spotted a red Dodge Charger driving without headlights or taillights on South Fifth Avenue. Police identified the driver as Daniel Benjamin Roswell, a New Zealand citizen living in the area.
A Dangerous Pursuit Through Downtown
According to investigators, an officer attempted to stop the Charger around 2 a.m., and Roswell allegedly fled, weaving through the streets of East Historic Downtown at speeds officers described as dangerously high. Police called off the pursuit near the bar district due to the risk to pedestrians leaving nearby establishments, but continued searching the area for the vehicle.
Charger Found Crashed, Driver Located Nearby
Officers soon found the Charger abandoned in a Carpet One parking lot, where it had crashed into parked trailers. A wallet containing Roswell’s New Zealand driver’s license was found inside the vehicle. Officers later located him walking along Pocatello Avenue with injuries consistent with airbag deployment and seatbelt impact. A breath test administered after his arrest reportedly measured his blood alcohol level at more than twice the legal limit.
A Beloved Brewery Vehicle Destroyed
The crash caused extensive damage to two vehicles belonging to Jim Dandy Brewing, including the business’s well-known 1974 AM General FJ-8 Dandy Wagon. The distinctive vehicle had been a fixture of the brewery since 2018 and is believed to be beyond repair following the crash. The business provided video evidence to police showing the Charger striking the parked vehicles, and officers recovered parts of the Charger, including its front bumper, at the scene.
Charges and What’s Next
Roswell faces a felony eluding charge along with misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence and resisting and obstructing an officer. His bond was set at $10,000 during a Monday arraignment, and he remained in custody as of Friday. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Dec. 10, when prosecutors will present evidence to determine whether the case proceeds to district court. If convicted, Roswell could face up to five years in prison along with a significant fine. As with any pending case, he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.