Brandon Tyler Groesbeck booking photo from the Cache County Jail.
LOGAN – A 24-year-old Idaho man has confessed to driving around Cache Valley while drinking and shooting on Christmas Eve. Brandon Groesbeck has been in the Cache County Jail after being found with a blood alcohol level of .181.
According to court documents, Groesbeck appeared Monday, March 11, in Logan’s 1st District Court. He waived his rights and accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to negligently operating a vehicle and failing to stop at the command of police, both third-degree felonies; and misdemeanors of driving under the influence and carrying a dangerous weapon while under the influence.
According to prosecutors, North Park Police officers received a call December 24, regarding a white Dodge pick-up truck, travelling at a high rate of speed and passing cars in the median. The vehicle was spotted travelling westbound on 2500 North.
The officer reportedly tried to initiate a traffic stop but the driver began weaving in and out of traffic and continued at a high rate of speed. The officer called off the pursuit at that point, due to the defendant’s unsafe driving.
A short time later, a Cache County Sheriff’s deputy spotted the truck west of Smithfield. They again attempted to pull over the vehicle but the driver accelerated and began driving more erratically.
The deputy continued to pursue the truck as it turned onto US-91 and headed south. At the intersection with 3100 North, the vehicle attempted to drive between several cars that were stopped at the light.
Law enforcement reported the truck hit three vehicles before driving off of the roadway and into a grassy area. The truck then returned to the road and hit a fourth vehicle.
According to arresting documents, the deputy positioned his patrol vehicle in front of the defendant, resulting in a head-on collision, due to the “substantial risk to the public.” Groesbeck eventually exited the truck, as law enforcement surrounded him with guns drawn.
Deputies report a total of five vehicles were damaged and eight individuals were injured. Inside the truck, investigators found several open bottles of alcohol and two rifles.
Groesbeck showed signs of impairment, according to deputies. He later admitted to driving around the valley drinking, and shooting at the alcohol containers with the .22 caliber rifles.
During Monday’s hearing, prosecutors dismissed 15 remaining charges in exchange for Groesbeck’s guilty plea.
Judge Angela Fonnesbeck ordered Groesbeck to remain in jail and complete a presentence report about his criminal history. She ordered him to appear again in court for sentencing April 22, when he could face up to five years in prison.