Not guilty plea entered in DUi case

Appearing for her arraignment in District Court on Tuesday, Shela Laurayne Herring pleaded not guilty to felony charges of criminal endangerment and assault on a peace officer and a misdemeanor charge of aggravated driving under the influence, third offense. Judge Molly Owen set this matter for a jury trial on October 21.

On March 21 around 8:30 p.m, as alleged in the charging documents, Deputy Devin Wegener was patrolling in the Paradise area when he observed a truck turn onto River Road East without using their turn signal. He also saw that the truck appeared to have an obstructed windshield, no license plate lights, and no front license plate. Deputy Wegener turned around and initiated a stop. After the driver eventually pulled over, Deputy Wegener exited his patrol vehicle. The driver allegedly abruptly put the truck into reverse and accelerated toward the patrol vehicle, putting Deputy Wegener in a position where he could be crushed between the two. Deputy Wegener drew his service firearm and ordered the driver to stop.

After the truck was again stopped, Deputy Wegener approached and smelled a strong odor of alcohol emanating from the inside of the vehicle. Recognizing the driver as Herring, Deputy Wegener had Herring shut off the truck and hand her keys over due to the erratic behavior so far. When asked why she had nearly backed into the patrol vehicle, Herring's speech was allegedly slurred to the point that her response couldn't be understood. Herring admitted to consuming alcohol, with a breath sample coming back at .411 blood alcohol content. Deputy Wegener placed Herring under arrest and she was transported to the Sanders County Jail.

Jacob Adam Shaver, pursuant to a plea agreement, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, down from the initial charge of criminal possession with intent to distribute. Judge Owen set sentencing for June 25.

Also changing his plea, Rodney George Marriott entered a no contest plea to an amended charge of criminal endangerment, following a plea agreement that had been reached. Marriott was originally charged with a felony count of aggravated assault. Sentencing was set for June 25 by Judge Owen.