Trooper in charge of anti-DUI squad arrested on suspicion of drunken driving

DRAPER — The head of the Utah Highway Patrol's anti-DUI squad has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.

UHP Lt. Fred Swain was arrested last week after crashing his unmarked patrol car on the Bangerter Highway.

Draper police responded to a crash at Bangerter and 400 West about 2:30 a.m. on June 23. Swain was found sitting in his car and talking on his phone, officers said. A police report obtained by the Deseret Morning News Thursday said that Swain's blood alcohol level was .116, more than the .08 legal limit in Utah.

The UHP said that Swain veered off to the right side of the road, overcorrected and then crashed into the concrete barricade separating the lanes of travel. No one was injured in the crash.

Swain told police that he had fallen asleep at the wheel.

"Speaking on behalf of the Department of Public Safety and the Utah Highway Patrol, the administration is extremely disappointed and extremely embarrassed by his actions," Lt. Doug McCleve said Thursday. "This is an individual choice, for whatever reason Fred made."

Swain has spoken at numerous news conferences for the UHP announcing drunk-driving crackdowns.

"Don't get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you've been drinking," Swain said at the launch of one anti-DUI campaign in December 2005. "Save somebody the tragedy of losing a loved one."

Swain is now on paid administrative leave. An internal investigation is under way by DPS and the UHP, which could result in Swain's termination. That decision will be made by DPS Commissioner Bob Flowers.

"The public can be assured the administration from our department will take immediate and decisive action against the choices that he made," McCleve said.

For more details, see tomorrow's edition of the Deseret Morning News.

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com; preavy@desnews.com