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Two men facing felony charges resulting from separate incidents

Schwan charged following tragic DUI accident

Matthew Schwan, age 34, has been charged with a felony count of driving under the influence with serious bodily injury, following a Saturday incident. The charge is punishable by a $2,000-$5,000 fine or 10 years in prison, or both.

According to court documents, about 2:40 a.m. May 14 an officer responded to an ambulance page in the 1000 block of Broadway, in reference to a car vs. pedestrian accident. The officer met with the resident, who was looking under the vehicle, a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country.

A person appeared to be underneath the vehicle, and the resident said it was Reilly Schwan, who was not responsive. EMS and fire department personnel responded, the vehicle was secured and lifted, and Reilly was extricated.

The resident was further questioned, and stated he had gone out with his wife, as well as Matthew and Reilly to celebrate in Worland. On the way home, he said Matthew and Reilly had an argument. Once home, he stated he went into the house.

The resident said he heard Matthew yelling outside, and when he came out he saw Reilly under the vehicle. The officer was told Matthew had gone back to the alley, and the officer went to look for him.

Matthew was on the phone, and was asked to hang up the call. He complied, and also showed signs of intoxication. When asked what happened, he began crying. He later explained they were celebrating his birthday and their anniversary in Worland.

Matthew continued to sob and cry while he was being interviewed, and repeatedly asked officers to tell him Reilly was OK. Documents state that under further interview, he did admit to being drunk. Matthew was also read his Miranda rights, and said he understood them.

Matthew advised there was an argument between him and Reilly, and she walked away. He said he was advised to get her by the residents, he said, and in doing so he pulled forward and heard screaming. He said he didn't understand why Reilly would be laying on the ground. The only time he had been driving that night, Matthew said, was that one time.

Field sobriety maneuvers were attempted with Matthew, who continued to show concern about Reilly and was getting more upset. It was determined he could not comply with the maneuvers due to his frame of mind.

Matthew was arrested and taken to the Joint Law Enforcement Center. He agreed to a breath test, with results of .20 percent. He was then told he was under arrest for driving under the influence, and escorted to the Hot Springs County Detention Center.

Officers checked on Reilly's condition, and later advised Matthew she was in critical condition and was being life-flighted to Casper. At the time of the officers' response, she was not responsive, not breathing on her own and had bleeding in her belly.

Her injuries also include a large bruise on the top of her right thigh, bruising on her right hand, forearm and bicep, her right chest and the left side of her throat, blood coming from her nose and ear, bruising on her left hand, scrapes and bruising on her left hand, bruising and a large burn on her back and a large bruise on the back of her left calf.

Reilly is in a coma on life support. According to a family member, she has shown some reflexes but doctors are guarded about her prognosis at this time. She is going to be allowed to rest and heal for a few days and further tests will be performed.

Matthew's bond was set at $10,000, and he is scheduled for preliminary hearing on Monday, May 23. He has posted bond, and according to a family member, he visited Reilly and their children in Casper. The family has pulled together and is remaining supportive of each other through this tragedy, according to the family member.

A Go Fund Me account has been set up to help the family with expenses. To donate, go to http://www.gofundme.com/24dr8xf7.

 

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