Couple hit with pair of DUI charges

WASILLA - A husband and wife were jailed after allegedly driving drunk in the same car on the same night a half hour apart.

According to Alaska State Trooper press releases, the 2002 Isuzu Trooper was first stopped for "multiple moving violations" on Crusey Street at Swanson Avenue at 11:02 p.m., Feb. 11.

Troopers arrested Tammy Gardner, 43, for drunken driving. Her bail was set at $1,000.

According to court papers filed against Gardner, her husband, James Gardner, 45, was a passenger in the Isuzu when she was pulled over. Troopers say they ordered him to leave it parked at the Carquest shop in Wasilla and walk home. He could come back and get it when he was sober.

"Gardner's wife stated to troopers during her traffic stop that she was driving because Gardner was very intoxicated," troopers wrote in court papers.

Troopers say they drove by not a half hour later and saw the Isuzu was gone. So they went to the Gardner residence.

"Gardner stated that he received a ride home, but refused to state by whom or provide a phone number to confirm this," court documents allege. "Gardner then attempted to slam the door on troopers and run upstairs. A witness on scene, a local neighbor, stated (he or she) observed Gardner drive the Isuzu home and get out."

Troopers got James Gardner to blow into a breathalyzer an hour after his wife was arrested. The result was allegedly .143. The legal limit for driving is .08.

Gardner also was charged with drunken driving. Troopers added a charge of violating a license limitation because Gardner wasn't supposed to be driving any cars without an ignition interlock device installed. His bail was set at $5,000.

By Saturday, both Gardners had made bail.

Contact reporter Andrew Wellner at andrew.wellner@frontiersman.com or 352-2270.