Police: Man’s BAC was four times legal limit
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 9 months AGO
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | December 11, 2020 1:00 AM
COEUR d’ALENE — A man could spend up to 10 years behind bars after police said he drove with a breath alcohol concentration more than four times the legal limit.
Keith B. Nyquist, 42, of Pocatello, is charged with driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance, both felonies. Previously convicted of two DUIs, Nyquist is also charged with a persistent violator enhancement.
In Idaho, a third DUI conviction within 10 years is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Police said they saw a man, identified as Nyquist, “stumble” through the parking lot of a Coeur d’Alene bar and get into a car Tuesday night.
Though Nyquist did not initially start the car or turn the lights on, police said they later spotted the car driving eastbound along Spruce Avenue and initiated a stop.
Police detained Nyquist in handcuffs. He provided breath samples of 0.36, 0.33 and 0.31, according to court documents. In Idaho, a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more is considered impaired.
A search of the car allegedly yielded a container that held a white substance which police said was meth.
Police arrested Nyquist at the scene.
Nyquist was twice convicted of excessive DUI in 2018 in Valley County, according to court documents. Excessive DUI refers to a blood alcohol level of .20 or higher.
Judge John Cafferty ordered Wednesday that Nyquist be held on $75,000 bail.
ARTICLES BY KAYE THORNBRUGH
Prosecutor condemns threatening comments
After press release sparks outcry, Mortensen shares insight
After a news release about the outcome of a criminal case sparked outcry this week, Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Stan Mortensen said he aims to inform the public through the information he publishes, not fan the flames of anger.
No serious injuries after car drives off Resort parking garage
No serious injuries were reported Friday afternoon after an occupied vehicle drove off the third level of the Coeur d'Alene Resort parking garage, according to authorities.
KCRCC addresses investigation into Prop 1 signers
Details under wraps after lengthy meeting
In a tense meeting that stretched past midnight this week, the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee discussed an investigation into members who signed to qualify a proposed abortion-rights initiative for the November ballot.