Ex-local deputy reminisces on the day a man drove his police car into Rigby Lake

Former Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputy Terrall Hanson recently shared details of the night his patrol car ended up in Rigby Lake during a 1977 investigation of a “kegger party”. The incident happened while Hanson was on patrol duty, and the lake was a popular spot for parties despite being designated as off-limits. Hanson discovered a large group of party-goers and was checking IDs when his patrol car vanished, eventually found underwater after being pushed in. Despite the chaos of struggling to control the situation with no radio or backup, Hanson eventually apprehended the suspect responsible for the car submersion, Ronald Hawker. Hawker was charged with grand larceny and destruction of public property, although his bond was eventually reduced. The incident was just the start of a wild weekend for Hanson, who also had a chief deputy’s car totaled and had to drive a 1971 Chevrolet Caprice Classic loaned by a local dealer. Hanson humorously noted that he probably holds the record for totaling two police cars in a single weekend in Jefferson County. The story serves as a fascinating glimpse into the challenges faced by law enforcement officers in rural Idaho during the late 1970s. For more intriguing historical tales like this, visit EastIdahoNews.com for the latest news and community events.

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