UHP Trooper injured stopping wrong-way driver arrested for fifth DUI

A wrong-way driver is facing his fifth DUI after a Utah Highway Patrol Trooper hit his vehicle in order to bring him to a stop.

UHP says 27-year-old Brad Blackner was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes near Legacy Highway and SR-89 at 10:45 p.m. Monday.

Blackner passed a trooper and continued to drive in the wrong direction, according to UHP. Trooper Jon Stanford was the second patrol cruiser to approach Blackner's car. Trooper Stanford hit the right side of Blackner's vehicle, causing the car to spin to a stop, according to UHP.

Trooper Stanford's patrol vehicle then crashed into a cement barrier, he was transported to the hospital with a minor knee injury.

Police say a K-9 officer found an open container of alcohol and prescription drugs in Blackner's vehicle. A breathalyzer test was issued, police say Blackner blew a .015 three times the legal limit.

Blackner is in jail facing multiple charges including possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI with two or more prior convictions within 10 years, ignition interlock violation, driving on an alcohol restricted violation and reckless driving.