Thomas Philip Mentzer, 55, grades 6-8 teacher at Upper Carmen Charter School, Salmon, Idaho, "charged with DUI and criminal endangerment" Formerly taught for: Challis School District 181, Challis, Idaho Mugshots.com: Thomas Philip Mentzer KPAX: ID teacher accused of DUI, driving wrong way in Missoula (Dec 24 2012) A Salmon, Idaho middle school teacher is accused of driving drunk while going the wrong way on Interstate 90 near Missoula. Thomas Philip Mentzer is being charged with DUI and criminal endangerment after Monday morning's alleged incident. Tags:
KBZK: Idaho teacher accused of DUI, driving wrong way in Missoula (Dec 25 2012) Prosecutors say [Thomas Philip] Mentzer had a blood alcohol content of nearly three times the legal limit, when he forced several drivers to swerve out of the way to avoid a crash. Mentzer allegedly drove the wrong way for several miles as a Missoula County deputy tried to pull him over. When Mentzer finally stopped his car he was arrested and taken to jail.KXLF: Idaho teacher accused of DUI, driving wrong way in Missoula (Dec 25 2012)
NBC Montana: Idaho man accused of driving wrong way on I-90 while drunk (Dec 24 2012) A Salmon Idaho man is accused of driving the wrong way for several miles on Interstate 90 in Missoula Sunday ... A court report said several vehicles had to maneuver to avoid being hit. The report said [Thomas Philip] Mentzer, who listed his occupation as a middle school teacher, admitted that he'd been drinking. The report said Mentzer's blood alcohol level was almost three times the legal limit.
Missoulian: Idaho motorist accused of driving drunk the wrong way on I-90 (Dec 24 2012) Missoula County Sheriff’s deputies received five reports of a motorist driving the wrong way on the interstate, according to Boylan’s affidavit. Even after a deputy turned her spotlight on the car, it continued several miles down the interstate, forcing other vehicles to maneuver out of its way, the affidavit said. [Thomas Philip] Mentzer, 55, of Salmon, Idaho, admitted he was intoxicated, the affidavit said. A test at the Missoula County jail put his blood alcohol level at .202. The legal driving limit is .08. Ravelli Republic: Idaho motorist accused of driving drunk the wrong way on I-90 (Dec 24 2012)
KBOI 2: Idaho teacher accused of driving wrong way on I-90 (Dec 25 2012) Charging documents filed by prosecutors say vehicles headed in the right direction Monday night were forced to maneuver out of the driver's way. The driver continued the wrong way even after a sheriff's deputy turned a spotlight on the car. The affidavit by Deputy Missoula County Attorney Suzy Boylan says 55-year-old Thomas Philip Mentzer's blood-alcohol level was .202. The legal limit to drive is .08.Bozeman Daily Chronicle: Idaho teacher accused of driving wrong way on I-90 (Dec 25 2012) Helena Independent Record: Idaho teacher accused of driving wrong way on I-90 (Dec 25 2012)
I had a student that went to the Charter School and loved Mr. Mentzer. He is a wonderful man. This is an awful incident that thankfully no one was hurt. We have all had times of poor judgment, but weren't crucified on the internet for it. He is a great man that made a poor choice. He knows that and will face the consequences for his decision.
he made a mistake. so what?! does it have to go through all the news channels in the area?! he's probably one of the best teachers.
KTVB: Police: Wrong way driver was drunk Idaho teacher (Dec 25 2012) Authorities say an Idaho middle school teacher drove drunk the wrong way for miles on Interstate 90 in Montana. Charging documents filed by prosecutors say vehicles headed in the right direction Tuesday night were forced to maneuver out of the driver's way. The driver continued the wrong way even after a sheriff's deputy turned a spotlight on the car. The affidavit by Deputy Missoula County Attorney Suzy Boylan says 55-year-old Thomas Philip Mentzer's blood-alcohol level was .202 ... Superintendent Joey Foote tells KTVB that Mentzer does not work at the Salmon Middle School, but instead teaches at a local charter school.
News Radio 1310: Idaho Teacher Arrested for DUI-Driving the Wrong Way (Dec 26 2012) Authorities say an Idaho middle school teacher drove drunk the wrong way for miles on Interstate 90 in Montana. Charging documents filed by prosecutors say vehicles headed in the right direction Monday night were forced to maneuver out of the driver’s way. The driver continued the wrong way even after a sheriff’s deputy turned a spotlight on the car.
Tom is one of the greatest men I have ever met. Sometimes a charismatic person like Tom has a little bit to much fun in one night and gets in some trouble. I was in the last class he taught in Challis, and I hope that he gets off and is not punished for his mistake. Gods speed Mentzer, you'll get through this (expletive deleted), see you on the dark side of the moon.