Nine-Time Loser Arrested On Tenth DUI Charge

OCTOBER 30--A Washington State man whose rap sheet includes nine drunk driving convictions was arrested on his 10th DUI charge after being spotted driving a minivan erratically, police report.

David Triplett, 59, was arrested Saturday after another motorist told Montana cops that he drove on a sidewalk after nearly causing an accident. Triplett was nabbed in Hamilton, a city 45 miles south of Missoula.

When police pulled Triplett over, an officer detected the “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on the suspect," who “denied the allegations of erratic driving.” Seen at right, Triplett claimed that someone from the Bandidos motorcycle gang had called in a complaint because they were “after him,” according to a court filing.

While Triplett declined to perform field sobriety tests, he agreed to provide a preliminary breath sample. He was arrested after that sample showed his blood alcohol content was .114, above the .08 legal limit.

Triplett, who claimed to have only consumed two vodka cranberry drinks earlier in the day, told police he was visiting Montana from his home in Seattle.

A records check revealed that Triplett “had a suspended driver’s license out of Washington” and nine prior DUI convictions. As detailed in a probable cause affidavit, Triplett’s convictions have occurred in three states: Washington (1991, 2007, 2012, 2014, 2015), Montana (2006, 2008, 2009), and Wyoming (2009).

In light of his criminal record, Triplett was charged with a felony DUI count and booked into the Ravalli County jail on $20,000 bond. He was also charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license. (2 pages)