Driver Charged With DUII After Juvenile Is Injured In Crash

On 1/19/21 at approximately 10:20 pm State Police Trooper Wertz was dispatched to a single vehicle crash which occurred on Hwy 229 near mile post 10. A red Ford sedan was southbound and negotiating a curve when the driver lost control and crashed into an earthen embankment on the southbound shoulder. During a crash investigation it was discovered a juvenile passenger had been injured in the crash and transported from the scene prior to law enforcement arrival.

The driver, identified as 22-year old Frank F. Swett of Newport exhibited numerous signs of impairment and reportedly admitted to using cannabis earlier in the day. He consented to and performed poorly on Safety Field Sobriety Test's and then resisted arrest as he was taken into custody. Swett was lodged in Lincoln County Jail on charges of DUII - Cannabis, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, Assault IV, Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana and Resisting Arrest.