Man arrested for DUI on forklift in central Utah

Jonathon Sharp
·2 min read

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A man with a history of DUI convictions was arrested Thursday morning after authorities say he drunkenly drove a forklift along a road in central Utah.

Tracy Behling, 41, of Ferron, was booked into the Emery County Jail before sunrise on suspicion of driving under the influence, being an alcohol-restricted driver and refusing to undergo field sobriety tests, a probable cause affidavit filed in 7th District Court shows.

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According to the Emery County Sheriff’s Office, Behling was driving a forklift west on State Road 29, near Castle Dale. The area is about 150 miles south of Salt Lake City.

Behling was “having difficulties with the operation” of the forklift, allegedly driving it with the suspension in the crab formation, with the back of the vehicle striking the road’s guardrail multiple times, the affidavit states.

Behling allegedly smelled of alcohol, and the officer asked him to perform field sobriety tests. He said he couldn’t and refused. The officer arrested Behling and took him to the county jail.

According to the affidavit, Behling’s license showed he is an alcohol-restricted driver and isn’t allowed to drive any vehicle that doesn’t have an ignition interlock device installed. The forklift was a rental and did not have such a device installed, the affidavit states.

While in custody, Behling also refused a blood draw for a chemical test. The sheriff’s office noted, however, that the technician was able to smell alcohol on Behling, further suggesting that he was intoxicated.

Behling has two prior DUI charges, court documents show. If he is charged with another DUI, it would be upgraded to a third-degree felony, the affidavit states. In Utah, a third-degree felony is punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

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