The Steamboat Pilot & Today: Sheriff's deputy says he would have arrested Wall

Contribute

Steamboat Springs — Routt County Sheriff's Office Deputy Lance Eldridge said in court Tuesday that he would have arrested Sheriff Gary Wall on suspicion of DUI on Oct. 27, 2007.

Eldridge drove Wall home that night, after Colorado State Patrol Trooper Melissa Fowler pulled Wall over at U.S. Highway 40 and Walton Creek Road for charges that also included a failure to dim his headlights and prohibited use of a weapon. As a witness in Routt County Court on Tuesday, Eldridge said that based on his observations of Wall, he would have arrested the county's top law enforcement officer on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Eldridge was the prosecution's final witness on the second day of Wall's jury trial. Wall's defense, led by Steamboat Springs attorney Ron Smith, began calling witnesses today, and began with a parade of guests who attended the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association's centennial celebration, from which Wall was returning home when he was pulled over.

Witnesses for the defense said Wall did not exhibit any signs of intoxication that night.

The trial is scheduled to conclude Wednesday.

Try the Steamboat Pilot & Today for 45 days FREE
Click here for details or call 970-871-4232

Community comments

Note: The Steamboat Pilot & Today doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy.

rsssco (anonymous)
July 15, 2008 at 4:32 p.m.
› Suggest removal

I suspect that testimony will weigh heavily in the jury's decision.

madmoores (anonymous)
July 15, 2008 at 5:29 p.m.
› Suggest removal

I smell a final paycheck and a pink slip for someone:(

dundalk (anonymous)
July 15, 2008 at 6:52 p.m.
› Suggest removal

Sadly, I agree with madmoore's assertion that Lance's days are numbered,however, he should hold his head high that he is a man of honesty and integrity, unlike his boss, the Wall.

424now (anonymous)
July 15, 2008 at 7:27 p.m.
› Suggest removal

I commend Lance Eldridge for his honesty. It was a brave statement to make.

weallnutz (anonymous)
July 15, 2008 at 8:40 p.m.
› Suggest removal

glad there is still some class and honesty at a department ran by somebody with neither

stmbtprof (anonymous)
July 15, 2008 at 9:12 p.m.
› Suggest removal

but why didnt Lance arrest him???

dundalk (anonymous)
July 15, 2008 at 9:24 p.m.
› Suggest removal

it wasn't his collar?

bfd (anonymous)
July 16, 2008 at 5:53 a.m.
› Suggest removal

all in all, it's just another brick in the wall.

summerbird (anonymous)
July 16, 2008 at 6:37 a.m.
› Suggest removal

“And the Wall comes tumbling down!”