Tyler Walker simply
cannot get out of his own way.
The former NASCAR and
World of Outlaws Sprint Car driver was scheduled to appear in Washington County
(Utah) District Court Monday morning for sentencing on charges related to a January
2013 high-speed chase that led police through Nevada, Arizona and Utah at
speeds of over 140 mph. Officials discovered quantities of methamphetamine, marijuana
and alcohol in his black BMW, and he eventually pled guilty to a pair of
felonies -- possession of a controlled substance and failure to stop for a
police officer -- as well as misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, driving
while impaired and an open container violation.
Walker was expected
to receive probation for those charges yesterday, but failed to appear for
sentencing, prompting Judge Eric Ludlow to issue a warrant for his arrest. He arrived
at the courthouse approximately 45 minutes later and was immediately taken into
custody. We will remain incarcerated in the Washington County jail until his
next sentencing hearing, scheduled for March 30.
Washington County
prosecutor Rachelle Shumway told The
Associated Press yesterday that Walker’s agreement to receive probation in
exchange for his guilty pleas could now be in doubt.
Walker competed in 28
races in NASCAR’s Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series before being suspended
indefinitely in 2007 for failing a NASCAR-mandated substance abuse test. He has
never applied for reinstatement.
I remember seeing a young Tyler Walker compete in the World of Outlaws. He was a breath of fresh air in the sport at that time, driving the No. 10 to several victories. I wish he could get his life straightened out, and maybe a few days in jail can serve as a wake-up call. I just hope it's not too late for him to get his act together and on the right path. Couldn't care less if he drives another racecar, this isn't about that.
ReplyDeleteWhen drugs can interfere with the life of someone who has so much going for them it's easy to see how people have trouble getting away from them when there's not that much waiting for them.
ReplyDeleteAnd why does this make news?
ReplyDeleteBecause it's my blog and I say it does, Wayne. Any further questions?
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