DUI suspect arrested after crashing through Rexburg Temple gates

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A local driver was arrested on multiple charges, including driving under the influence, after allegedly ramming their vehicle through the gates on the grounds of the Rexburg Idaho Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Friday night.

According to the Rexburg Police Department, officers were dispatched to the temple grounds on South 2nd East on Friday evening, June 19, following reports of a vehicle smashing through the perimeter fence. Police say that once stuck inside the grounds, the suspect then rammed a second gate, causing damage to the grounds before fleeing the scene.

The driver’s escape was short-lived. With the help of witnesses and debris left behind by the damaged vehicle, the officers successfully located the suspect car at a nearby residence. Following a brief investigation at the home, officers arrested the driver for malicious injury to property, leaving the scene of an accident, and DUI.

Authorities have not released the suspect's identity or an estimate of the financial cost of the damage to the temple property at this time.