Fence Damaged in Church Parking Lot After Drunk Driving Crash
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
| by Travis Uresk | June 17th 2026 |
Vernal, Utah (6/11/26)—At around 7:30 PM, VPD Officer Monsen was sent to 235 E 600 S after a gray Chevy truck crashed into a fence in the church parking lot.
The complainant notified dispatch that the driver exited the vehicle and walked south toward an apartment complex.
Upon arrival, Officer Monsen found a gray Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck that had crossed the curb and was pushing against the fence, with an empty alcohol bottle nearby.
A records check revealed that the registered owner was 21-year-old Draden James Swett, who was listed as an alcohol restricted driver, along with a matching photo from his license.
The caller mentioned hearing the engine revving and walked to the back of the building, where he observed the truck trying to reverse before the driver exited and left on foot heading south. He provided a brief description of the man, stating he was wearing blue jeans and a gray/blue shirt.
While speaking with the caller, Officer Monsen spotted a man stumbling towards them who matched the driver's description. The caller confirmed it was the same individual who crashed into the fence.
As Officer Monsen approached the man to engage him in conversation, he instantly detected a strong smell of alcohol on his breath. The man also had a cut on his head, suggesting he might have been involved in an accident.
A further records check corroborated the vehicle's ownership and provided the driver’s license photo. Officer Monsen confirmed that the individual was indeed Draden Swett.
The officer determined Draden was impaired to a level that made it unsafe for him to operate a vehicle, leading to his arrest. A court order prohibits Draden from consuming alcohol, and the records confirmed he has had previous DUI convictions within the last ten years.
Draden was taken to Uintah County Jail and booked on the following charges: driving under the influence of alcohol (2nd offense), alcohol-restricted driver, and consumption of alcohol by a person under interdiction.
Traffic and Criminal Report
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