Summit County Democratic Party chair Rob Weyher, 54, was booked into jail Tuesday on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, interfering with an officer and disorderly conduct, a spokesperson at the Summit County Jail said.

Around midnight, Weyher was stopped in the parking lot at the Tanger Outlet Center in Snyderville for speeding, Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Randall Richey said.

"I'm not concerned about it in the least because I'm innocent," said Weyher, who has recently publicly criticized Republican Summit County Sheriff Dave Edmunds. "There were seven Summit County sheriff's cars and two Highway Patrol."

A Highway Patrol trooper arrested Weyher after the officer conducted field sobriety tests to determine the suspect was impaired, Richey said, adding that Weyher smelled like booze and alcohol was found inside the vehicle.

Assaulting a police officer a class A misdemeanor -- is reportedly the most serious charge Weyher could face. Weyher allegedly resisted when the trooper tried to place him in the patrol vehicle, Richey said, adding the Weyher was attempting to push and kick the officer.

"There were more problems at the jail with the jail staff when they were trying to process him," Richey said.

Responding to the assault accusation, Weyher said "I have no idea whatsoever where that came from."

Formal charges had not been filed Tuesday against Weyher in Third District Court.

Weyher said he has retained

Advertisement
Park City-based attorney Gail Laser for his defense.

"I think it was a misunderstanding and I'm hoping that everything can be worked out," Laser said during a telephone interview. "Our assumption is that Rob will be exonerated."

According to the jail spokesperson, Weyher was released from jail within roughly an hour after paying $4,060 cash bail.