Documents: Rexburg driver huffed compressed air before crash that injured 4
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REXBURG — The driver of a vehicle who crashed into a light pole, injuring himself and three passengers, huffed compressed air from an air duster can moments before the wreck, according to court documents obtained by EastIdahoNews.com.
Alec Burnside, 21, is charged with one felony aggravated DUI. He was behind the wheel of a 2008 Saturn Vue Monday around 8:50 p.m. when police say he veered across oncoming traffic lanes and slammed into a power pole at 75 North 2nd East.
Burnside was treated and released at Madison Memorial Hospital. Jessica Henager, 31, was also taken Madison Memorial and Richard Lee Farris, 25, and William Lee Schmidt, 36, were transported to EIRMC in critical condition.
A probable cause statement states that when Rexburg police arrived at the scene, Burnside had glassy, bloodshot eyes and impaired memory.
“The accused had one aerosol air duster can next to him between his driver’s seat and the center console and another aerosol air duster can at his feet on the driver’s floorboard. Both aerosol cans were cold to the touch indicating recent usage,” Rexburg Police Officer Kenneth Marler wrote in the report. “One passenger witnessed the accused huffing the compressed air out of the aerosol air duster cans in the vehicle prior to driving.”
Burnside’s car was the only vehicle involved in the crash and Rexburg Police Capt. Randy Lewis says “it’s a miracle” he didn’t hit anyone else as he veered into oncoming traffic lanes.
Burnside was booked into the Madison County Jail on $100,000 bail. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 4.