Police: Semitruck driver swerving on I-80 arrested on suspected DUI
Dec 22, 2024, 5:24 PM | Updated: 8:02 pm
SALT LAKE CITY – A semitruck driver is facing charges for driving under the influence near Utah’s West Desert Saturday.
Timothy Murphy, 64, is facing charges for one count of driving under the influence, one count of reckless driving, and one count of having an open container in a vehicle, according to an affidavit.
Police reported receiving seven different phone calls between 4:44 p.m. and 4:59 p.m. Saturday about a semitruck driving recklessly while traveling eastbound on Interstate 80. The calls reportedly followed the semitruck from mile marker 4 to mile marker 22.
“Reporting parties advised the vehicle was all over the roadway and swerving so erratically no one was able to pass him,” the affidavit states.
A police officer in the area reported seeing the semitruck driving towards them, and swerving, from “nearly a mile away.” The officer said they saw approximately 20 cars behind the semitruck.
According to the affidavit, Murphy did not notice the police officer or pull over until the officer “drove right next to the driver’s door and changed my siren pitch several times.” The officer reported using the technique twice before Murphy eventually pulled over near mile marker 27.
Documents state Murphy’s eyes appeared glossy and droopy, his speech slurred, his reflexes slow, and he appeared disoriented.
Police said Murphy told the responding officer he was on his way to Wendover to stop for the night, which he had reportedly passed by approximately 30 miles.
“While he was walking back to my vehicle, Mr. Murphy had to continually hold onto the (semitruck) and trailer for balance, his poor balance remained evident for the duration of the contact,” documents state.
The police officer said a medical team was called to ensure Murphy was not having a medical episode, which they confirmed. The police officer reportedly administered tests to detect substance use which they said he performed poorly, and tested Murphy’s blood.
Murphy was arrested by police, and his semitruck impounded, police said. While searching the semitruck, police reported finding a bottle of vodka “with approximately 1/8th remaining” in the cab.
Murphy was arrested by police.
