A Drunk Teenager Drives Around Hitting Mailboxes And Garbage Cans With His Car

By Travis Uresk 11/16/23

Vernal, Ut. - On 11/13/23, a small car drove around the 4500 South 500 East area, knocking over garbage cans and mailboxes and driving off. Naples City Officers were also dispatched to several residents on 500 East, and they received the same vehicle description as the Uintah County Deputies.

One victim advised that their vehicle was damaged by the objects the car hit. Another victim advised the vehicle was seen on 4500 South near 500 East. Deputy Fairey was in the area and saw a vehicle with a missing headlight traveling west on 4500 South. As it passed the deputy, the vehicle's passenger side had significant damage.

Deputy Fairey made a traffic stop on the vehicle and contacted the driver, 19-year-old Zander Deforest Emery. There was an odor of alcohol coming from Zander's person. Deputy Fairey explained to Zander that he would conduct a field sobriety test on him.

After the field sobriety tests, a portable breath test was conducted with a result of a .150. Zander was arrested and placed in the back of the patrol vehicle.

A search of the vehicle was conducted, and the deputies found an empty bottle of Peach Crown Royal Whiskey. They could hear Zander banging on the window when they finished with the car. When they opened the door, Zander had his hands in front of him still in handcuffs.

Deputy Fairey began to remove the handcuffs when Zander took off running eastbound on 4500 South; he jumped a fence and went through a field. After searching the area, a 4000 South 1500 East resident called dispatch and advised that a male showed up at her door with handcuffs. Vernal City units are located in Zander at approximately 3600 South 1500 East.

Deputy Helms took custody of Zander and transported him to the jail. At the jail, Helms read Zander the DUI admonition and requested a breath test. Zander advised he would take a breath test, and the test results were .125 BRac.

Zander Emery is being charged with criminal mischief for running over personal property and causing damage; at this time, there are approximately 5 victims; however, the police were advised several streets in the same area have the same type of damage. Zander is also being charged with DUI alcohol, alcohol-restricted driver, open container, and escape from official custody.