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August 23, 2010 in News, City
Suspended firefighter pleads innocent in second DUI arrest
Former Spokane firefighter Todd Chism pleaded not guilty today to driving while intoxicated just four months after he was charged with assaulting two Washington State Patrol troopers who were investigating another possible drunken driving offense.
Chism appeared today before Municipal Court Judge Michelle Szambelan with his attorney Ronald Van Wert. Both Van Wert and Chism declined to be interviewed following the hearing.
Szambelan complied with a prosecutor’s request to boost Chism’s bond from $500 to $1,500 and allowed him to remain out of custody as long as he has no new law violations and avoids drinking while driving. His next court date was set for Sept. 28 at 9 a.m.
“He is well aware that he needs to stay in compliance with the law and intends to do so,” Van Wert said.
Chism was arrested at about 2 a.m. Saturday after he was seen driving down the wrong way on Ash Street near Euclid Avenue, according to Spokane Police.
Chism was a lieutenant with the Spokane Fire Department before he was arrested in April following a confrontation with troopers near Chism’s Stevens County home. After that arrest, city officials placed him on “unpaid layoff” status, which means he’s essentially severed from the city unless he is exonerated, city spokeswoman Marlene Feist said.
Chism was exonerated in 2008 after the WSP wrongly charged him in connection with a child pornography case. A civil suit against that agency has been dismissed but Chism is appealing the judge’s ruling.
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liarsinnews on August 23 at 5:26 p.m.
I`m surprised Chism didn`t say he only had a couple of beers, the usual answer said by a drunk that is picked up.
Orange on August 23 at 5:39 p.m.
Does this guy have a disease or what?
lewis8457 on August 23 at 5:49 p.m.
The first story said he was let go at the scene which is it? Arrested or let go?
all he needs to do is sue the city that is what his cop friends would do in this situation.
cryssT on August 23 at 8:33 p.m.
firefighters are people. how would any of us cope after what the WSP did to him 2 years ago. he’ll end up with a vehicle that has the alcohol lock on it and if he’s lucky he’ll win the civil suit and get enough money to have a chauffeur.
Nugget on August 23 at 9:21 p.m.
He SHOULD win that civil suit!!!! They have ruined his life & the life of his family… forever.
hcamper on August 23 at 9:36 p.m.
This is not news. Chism is not a public figure, a celebrity, or anyone else who seeks the public eye. He is a private citizen, who along with many others, received a dui this past week. I don’t see any stories about the others. This is nothing more than a smear campaign. Move on!
hammer1969 on August 24 at 12:02 a.m.
He was arrested, processed, cited, and released after having his car towed and released to a third party. DIU’s have to go to court on the next court date (in this case Monday).
misjustice on August 24 at 8:54 a.m.
Why is this SR’s third thread on the same story? Sensationalism?
crhys on August 24 at 9:04 a.m.
He was driving the wrong way on a one-way. I don’t care what he has been through. He’s lucky he didn’t hurt or kill anyone. Do you think the times he has been arrested for drunk driving are just isolated events? They are just the times he got caught. What he went through doesn’t give him the right to drive around town plastered!
RetCop1 on August 24 at 11:38 a.m.
The fireman’s attitude and demeanor when stopped by WSP is what caused his problem, fueled by the alcohol HE consumed. His latest arrest was a result of HIS traffic violation and the alcohol HE consumed. How can he blame WSP and SPD for his troubles, much less file lawsuits for same?? Add his other tribulations to the mix and we have a hostile, angry citizen taking out whatever his personal problems are out on the citizens of Spokane. The fireman is in need of some professional help in my opinion, and someone needs to take his car keys away until he gets his life in order.
user8332 on August 25 at 9:01 a.m.
Some of you need a reality check. Nothing about this story says this guy is being framed, or set up. It’s simply a case of a bad apple that needs to be held accountable for his behavior. One D.U.I. conviction should result in termination of employment if you are a cop or firefighter. This guy is just bad news. Cut your losses and send him packing.