60-Year-Old Arrested Following Drunken Disturbance/Standoff in Idaho Falls Parking Lot

In the heart of Idaho Falls, a routine evening turned chaotic when a 60-year-old resident sparked a heated confrontation in a popular parking lot off Broadway.

Authorities quickly responded to reports of the incident, which unfolded around 7 p.m. on a recent Sunday.

The man, now identified as Danny Oswalt, allegedly used his vehicle to trap a truck driver, preventing any escape and seeming eager for a brawl.

This escalating drama drew immediate attention from Idaho Falls police, who arrived to find Oswalt attempting a quick getaway across the lot.

Officers skillfully maneuvered their patrol cars to corner him, urging the suspect to step out peacefully.

But Oswalt, showing clear signs of intoxication during a phone exchange, ignored the commands and stayed put.

The situation intensified when he suddenly exited his car, defiantly challenging officers to open fire.

As he reached into his pockets amid ignored warnings, police deployed a less-lethal 40 mm launcher, firing foam projectiles that struck him three times.

These non-fatal rounds, often called 'Smurf rounds' for their blue hue, allowed a swift and safe takedown.

A search of his car revealed several open alcohol containers, bolstering evidence of impairment.

After hospital clearance, Oswalt was jailed in Bonneville County, charged with false imprisonment, DUI, eluding police, open container possession, and resisting arrest.

This event adds to a string of recent disturbances near Broadway, including a mental health rally on the nearby bridge just days earlier, where hundreds demanded better services amid funding cuts.

The area has seen its share of tensions, from a new paid parking system introduced downtown this summer to aim at better turnover, to other arrests like a young driver spinning circles in a local lot last month.

Community leaders note these incidents highlight ongoing challenges in a bustling spot known for events like holiday markets and seasonal brews at Broadway Plaza.

Residents hope for calmer days ahead as Idaho Falls continues to grow with new developments and real estate buzz in the vicinity.