Man involved in February multi-vehicle crash to face jury trial
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POCATELLO — A man arrested for felony driving under the influence in February after allegedly causing a multi-vehicle crash has pleaded not guilty and will face jury trial.
Shane Ray Warr, 58, of Blackfoot, was arrested at the scene of the crash on Feb. 3 when officers detected the smell of alcohol emanating from his person and the cab of his semi. Officers also found open alcohol containers in his cab, and he was found to be illegally in possession of a firearm, which initially resulted in two additional misdemeanor charges.
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Those misdemeanor charges were later dismissed by the prosecutor’s office, but Ray is still facing the felony DUI. He pleaded not guilty to that charge on March 15.
Warr was driving his semi on northbound Interstate-15 through Pocatello at around 4 p.m. when he crossed the median, crashed through two passenger vehicles and the guardrail before coming to rest off the southbound side of the interstate. When officers from the Idaho State Police arrived on the scene around 4:30 p.m., they found him bleeding from a wound on his head.
Debbie Akers, 54, of Pocatello, had to be removed from her Chevrolet Suburban and was transported to Portneuf Medical Center to be treated for injuries caused by the crash.
Warr allegedly told officers that he had consumed one alcoholic beverage before leaving Malad with his load. Two breathalyzer tests were administered at the scene, producing readings of 0.134% and 0.124% blood-alcohol content — well above the limit for a commercial driver.
Just over a month later, Warr was declared an imminent hazard by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. He has been ordered not to operate any commercial motor vehicle as a result.
Warr is scheduled to be heard by a jury and District Court Judge Robert Naftz on Aug. 10. If found guilty, Warr would face up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $5,000.