During A DUI Traffic Stop, A Passenger Turns Belligerent and Gets Himself Arrested

By Travis Uresk

8/14/24

| Uintah County | August 10th, 2024 |

At 12:45 am, Deputy Russell stopped a vehicle for a simple traffic violation. As he made contact with the driver, it was apparent there were multiple people inside the vehicle who had been drinking.

The driver was asked if he had been drinking, and he admitted to the deputy that he had. The deputy conducted a DUI investigation, and an arrest was made on the findings.

As Deputy Russell was at the driver’s door speaking with the other three occupants, an intoxicated male in the back seat began to get upset and belligerent. The deputy explained to him and the others that the driver would be with him for a while.

The passenger, who was later identified as 22-year-old Matthew Lincoln Hatch, was on his phone requesting an attorney's phone number.

While Deputy Russell was speaking with the other two occupants, Matthew told the deputy to “Be quiet because I’m on the phone.”

It was explained to Matthew that the deputy was speaking to the others about how they could go home, and Matthew again became belligerent, swearing and yelling at Deputy Russell.

When Matthew was asked for his driver's license, he tried to give the deputy his wallet, saying, "My ID is in there, boy."

Deputy Russell explained to Matthew that he wouldn't take his wallet but wanted to see his driver's license to identify him. As the deputy was doing a records check on Matthew, he continued to be belligerent that another deputy told him to stop.

Deputy Russell told Matthew that he would allow him to call for a ride so that he could be taken home, but he continued to be belligerent and mouthy and stated, "Give me my ID and fuck off."

It was at this time that Deputy Russell and Deputy Roth decided that Matthew had made enough of a scene that he would be taken into custody for disorderly conduct and intoxication.

As the deputies gave Matthew a lawful order to exit the vehicle, he began to resist arrest. As Matthew was escorted from the vehicle, he began to flex and resist while being placed in handcuffs. Matthew had to be escorted to the side of the vehicle for the deputies to gain control.

While Deputy Roth escorted Matthew to his patrol vehicle, Deputy Russell continued his conversation with the other two occupants and saw an open can of Coors beer in the driver seat storage directly within arms' reach of Matthew.

Deputy Russell then noticed that while Matthew was being assisted into the vehicle, he again began to resist arrest and was using his leg to prevent the deputies from securing him by closing the door.

The driver of the vehicle was asked who was drinking the Coors beer in the back seat, and he stated that it was Matthew. Deputy Roth took Matthew to the Uintah County Jail.

Matthew was booked on the charges of intoxication because while the deputy was speaking with Matthew, he observed the odor of alcohol coming from his person, along with his attitude toward the deputy.

Disorderly Conduct: After being told to stop, Deputy Roth told Matthew to stop yelling and cursing at the deputies, and he continued.

Resisting Arrest: because as Deputy Roth and Deputy Russell attempted to arrest Matthew, he was trying to get his arms free.

Open container of alcohol on the highway.

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