IDAHO FALLS — An inmate in a work release group who was preparing for July 4th festivities is facing charges after escaping custody and stealing an ATV.
Douglass Dallas, 37, allegedly stole the ATV after leaving the group and attempted to flee from police.
On the morning of July 1, officers responded to calls about a suspicious individual asking for rides while wearing a work release shirt.
Responding officers confirmed with the Bonneville County Work Detail that Dallas was missing.
According to court documents, a second 911 call was received, reporting an individual driving an ATV with “Snake River Landing” labels on the side. Dallas allegedly drove the ATV at “extremely high rates of speed, avoiding law enforcement trying to apprehend him.”
Dallas was arrested on Lewisville Highway and taken back into police custody.
During the arrest, he allegedly smelled like marijuana, and officers later tested him and found him positive.
Documents state: Dallas attempted to tell police that he had not stolen the ATV and that a worker had given him a ride, but multiple witnesses reported that only one man was in the vehicle.
Dallas has been charged with one count of grand theft and one count of escape by a person who has been charged, convicted, or is on probation for a felony.
If found guilty, Dallas could face up to 19 years in prison, in addition to his current convictions, and fines of up to $55,000.
Dallas has been charged with these crimes, but that does not necessarily imply he committed them. Everyone is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
