Yellowstone road rage incident leads to Federal Conviction for Oregon man
YELLOWSTONE, Montana (KIFI) — A 67-year-old Bend, Oregon, man faces up to 20 years in federal prison after being convicted of assaulting a federal employee inside Yellowstone National Park last year. David Tyler Regnier was found guilty by a federal jury on Wednesday, May 21, for the assault.
According to court documents, on September 18, 2024, Regnier was spotted by two park employees directing traffic near Canyon Junction. He was reportedly driving the wrong way along the road to avoid a construction zone and appeared upset with the traffic direction.
One park employee reportedly stood in front of Regnier's Jeep with a stop sign while the other instructed him to back up. Regnier then accelerated, striking the employee with his vehicle and physically pushing him backward. The employee was able to jump out of the Jeep's path after being hit.
Yellowstone National Park Service law enforcement officers later stopped and arrested Regnier.
“Our office will take a strong stance against the frequent acts of violence directed at public servants who are merely doing their jobs to protect the community," said acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie I. Sprecher.
The three-day trial for David Tyler Regnier was held before U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin. Sentencing has been scheduled for August 7, 2025. In addition to potential prison time, Regnier faces up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 special assessment.
