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POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A 42-year-old Pocatello man is free on bond after police say he drunkenly fell out of his moving SUV, causing his vehicle to plow through a local building Tuesday evening, March 3rd.

TJ Christensen was booked into the Bannock County Jail and faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia following the incident that resulted in an estimated $52,000 in property damage.

The chaotic scene unfolded around 6:00 PM at the intersection of Garrett Way and East Gould Street. According to court documents, several witnesses saw Christensen hanging out of the driver’s side door of his white 2008 Chevrolet Suburban while making a turn. He tumbled out of the SUV, which, unmanned, continued through a parking lot and crashed into a building located at 1527 North 2nd Avenue.

Witnesses reported that Christensen immediately jumped up and chased after the vehicle. After the initial crash, he then rammed the SUV through a garage door on the north side of the building and again through a lot gate to flee the scene. Officers arriving minutes later began a search for a bald male in a purple hoodie based on bystander descriptions.

A Lieutenant with the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office eventually found Christensen standing outside his heavily damaged SUV on Jones Drive. According to the report, Christensen was visibly suffering from a ‘head injury consistent with a car accident.’ As the officer attempted to talk with him, Christen appeared to be wobbly and uncooperative.

The officer told Christensen to “Stop right there,” but the 42-year-old drunkenly replied, “not much,” and refused several commands to sit down. After attempting to walk away, Christensen was taken to the ground and placed in custody following a brief struggle, according to the report.

As more officers arrived on the scene, they began a search of the Chevrolet Suburban, which uncovered a marijuana pipe and several plastic bags and containers holding THC-positive wax and residue.

A breathalyzer test later revealed that Christensen’s blood alcohol content was 0.160, exactly twice the legal limit in Idaho.

Christensen was arraigned on Wednesday, where his bond was set at $10,100. He has since posted bond and been released from custody.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 17.

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Suspected acts of vandalism have forced the closure of Blacktail Park, potentially delaying its seasonal opening, leaving Bonneville County with an estimated $8,000 repair bill. In response, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is reaching out to the public to find the suspected vandals.

While preparing the site for summer recreation earlier this week, Parks and Recreation staff discovered significant damage to the area. Staff found several cut or damaged wires to pumps and sprinkler systems, along with damaged cables and components of floating docks and gangways.

Parks and Rec. closed the park yesterday, Mar. 5th, to make emergency repairs. In a news release, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) highlighted the strain that acts of vandalism put on public resources.

“Use of Blacktail Park and other county recreation areas requires a significant amount of maintenance to ensure docks, ramps, and picnic areas are safe for public use,” BCSO stated. “Use fees and resources from county funds are limited and damage this significant make it difficult for our community to enjoy these recreational resources. “

Until repairs are finalized, all gates and access to Blacktail Park will remain closed.

BCSO Deputies are actively investigating the incident and seeking leads. If you have information regarding the vandalism, contact Bonneville County Dispatch at 208-529-1200. Tips and information can be reported anonymously online through East Idaho Crimestoppers at www.IFcrime.org. 

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) — In a much-anticipated update, the owners of the Baker Country Market have officially announced they will rebuild the store. The decision comes just two weeks after a catastrophic fire leveled the beloved local store.

The announcement was shared Thursday morning by Tracy Krekeler, a friend of the family and member of the Lemhi Live Facebook group. According to Krekeler, the Amish family that owns and runs the market decided to rebuild after “much prayer and conversation” within their community.

In a heartfelt post, Krekeler expressed the family’s deep appreciation for the local support.

“They all would like me to extend their deepest, most sincere gratitude to everyone for the tremendous outpouring of kindness during this time,” Krekeler wrote in a post. “They have been incredibly touched in ways they could not begin to imagine from the love, kindness, and generosity that has been extended to them these last 2 weeks.”

Wind Blown Embers Destroy Beloved Local Landmark

The fire fully destroyed the former store on the evening of February 21. Investigations by the Lemhi County Fire Protection District concluded the fire was accidental, sparked by wind-driven embers.

RELATED: Firefighters battle massive blaze at Baker Country Market in Salmon

The owners had burned a pile of cardboard earlier that afternoon and believed the fire was fully extinguished. However, shifting winds reignited lingering embers, which spread to a nearby stack of pallets before quickly spreading the flames to the entire building.

How to Help

Krekeler says financial donations will be accepted through an account at the Frontier Federal Credit Union in the coming days for anyone wishing to donate.

There is no current timeline for when the store will be rebuilt. Local News 8 will provide more updates as new information becomes available.