Utah DUI suspect tried to bribe officer $50K to release him, police say

CEDAR CITY, Utah (KSTU) -- A man suspected of driving under the influenced in Cedar City also faces a felony charge of offering to bribe a public servant.

According to a probable cause statement, police arrested 28-year-old Jacquez Garfield Wright on Sunday after they received a report of a traffic accident near 1100 W 200 N that morning. Police said an officer noticed he had a strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech and difficulty walking and maintaining balance.

Police said they placed Wright in handcuffs, but he physically resisted their attempts to place him in a police vehicle until they used a stun gun.

"During my times with [Wright], he offered me $50,000 to release him. I was not concerned about this statement initially, but [Wright] later offered $12,000, and later $10,000 for me to release him. Throughout my interaction with Jacquez, he claimed several times to be very wealthy, and was in possession of over $500 cash," the officer wrote.

In addition to the felony bribery charge, Wright faces misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence, possession of marijuana, interference with an arresting officer and driving on a revoked license. He also faces an infraction of disorderly conduct.