An SUV with a Virginia license plate was observed on Highway 40 in Vernal on August 10th by an officer who saw it swerving within its lane and nearly running over the curb and sidewalk multiple times. According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, the westbound vehicle continued straight as Highway 40 curves near 800 West, almost running into a grassy medium where the Vernal City welcome sign is located before jerking back left into the lane. The vehicle eventually responded to the emergency lights and rolled at a low rate of speed, coming to a stop on Highway 40 at McDonald’s. A case of beer was observed behind the driver’s seat and the officer noted that the driver had heavy eyelids and spoke with slow, thick speech. An open container was observed in the front seat cupholder that was found to be empty. The driver failed field sobriety testing. 26-year-old Dalton Cole Dingus was placed under arrest. A records check was performed on a firearm located in the vehicle which returned with information through NCIC that the firearm was stolen. In addition to DUI, Dingus was charged with 3rd Degree Felony Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm and Carrying a Dangerous Weapon while Under the Influence.
