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LOGAN — An Idaho man was sentenced to prison Monday for firing on emergency personnel who were attempting to help him when he crashed into a natural gas line while driving drunk.
Cade Austin, 31, was sentenced to concurrent sentences of one to 15 years in prison Monday, his attorney confirmed. Austin pleaded guilty in May to reduced charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault, both second-degree felonies.
First District Judge Kevin Allen, who told Austin he should be grateful he survived the encounter and urged him to lead a productive life when he is eventually released, granted him credit for the time he has served since his arrest last December, defense attorney Greg Skordas said.
Police say Austin was driving erratically on U.S. 91 near Lewiston, Cache County, on Dec. 15, 2015, when he went off the road and crashed into a large natural gas line, sending gas spewing out of it.
Austin got back into his car before paramedics arrived and pulled a gun on emergency crews when they reached the scene, according to police. Gunfire erupted as first responders retreated to take cover, and Jeremy Hunt, a member of Cache County Ambulance, shot back at Austin.
Austin was hit multiple times but remained in the car during a standoff with SWAT officers for the next hour. As he sat in the car, Austin continued to drink from a bottle of Crown Royal whiskey until he passed out and could be taken to an area hospital to treat his injuries, police said.
Austin was booked into the Cache County Jail following his release from the hospital.
Search warrants indicate investigators have looked into whether a pending lawsuit to collect medical expenses may have influenced Austin's actions.
Skordas said his client made a brief statement at the hearing Monday, saying the incident was out of character for him.
"He apologized to the community and he apologized to the victims," Skordas said.
Austin made no attempt to have his bail reduced or be released from jail following his arrest, but recognized he would be required to serve some time for his actions, Skordas said.
"He was remorseful for what happened. He knew he was going to do time, so he made the election to … stay incarcerated while this was pending," Skordas said.
Austin was originally charged with two first-degree felony counts of attempted murder. In exchange for the plea, additional misdemeanor charges were dismissed, including driving under the influence, interfering with arresting officers, reckless driving and an open container in a vehicle.
