An Oregon pilot who hit a federal employee with his vehicle in Yellowstone National Park last year was sentenced to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine Monday.
David Tyler Regnier, 67, was facing a maximum of 20 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. He was convicted of a felony for going the wrong way on a park road to bypass waiting traffic before driving into a flagman working for a road crew who commanded him to stop and turn around.
U.S. District Court Judge Kelly Rankin, who is also a pilot, overruled an objection by Regnier’s defense during the hearing that his conduct did not constitute aggravated assault. The judge said his use of the Jeep made the vehicle a “deadly weapon,” which Regnier had used in a way that was intended to do more than frighten the employee.
Though the employee was able to jump out of harm’s way, Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Cook argued that rainy conditions that day could have caused the employee to slip under Regnier’s tires, leading to serious injury.
During a statement to the court, Regnier became emotional and apologized to the federal employee he had hit.
“The great outdoors is my sanctuary,” he said. Regnier added he was “hoping and praying” the incident would not cause him to lose his pilot’s license.
He said the incident happened on the first day of a vacation with his wife and lamented having “ruined it.” Regnier also admitted he didn’t handle the situation the way he should have.
Medical Mishap
Regnier’s defense argued during the hearing that his conduct that day was due to a flurry of medical problems that led him to become panicked. His attorney Ryan Wright said Regnier often becomes constipated while traveling, which requires him to drink more water.
This, combined with other medications for his prostate and urinary tract, cause him to urinate frequently. At the time of his incident, Wright argued Regnier was desperately seeking a bathroom.
Cook argued, however, such a claim was an “embellishment” by Regnier to escape the consequences of his actions. The defense countered by calling for a 10-minute recess because Regnier needed to relieve himself, which Rankin granted.
When arguments resumed, Wright explained how Regnier had also started a new blood pressure medication days prior to the incident. He made that switch to satisfy the Federal Aviation Administration so he could renew his pilot’s license.
Regnier said that medication, amlodipine, caused him “very adverse side effects” like elevated blood pressure and tightness in his chest, which caused him to become aggravated by the traffic in Yellowstone. After being arrested, Regnier was transported to a hospital because his symptoms were consistent with a heart attack.
The defense argued Regnier should receive house arrest as he had since worked with cardiologists, changed to a better medication and would not have a repeat incident.
Cook, however, called Regnier’s actions “selfish and “dangerous,” adding that the circumstances did not justify his actions. He further described the situation as a careless case of road rage.
Family Testimony
Regnier’s wife and daughter each addressed the court, asking for leniency from Rankin.
His daughter Kimberly Parris shed tears while discussing how Regnier had become a male role model to her children after her husband passed away. She said that sending Regnier to prison would “devastate” those children.
“My father is not the type of man to run away from a burning house,” she said of Regnier. “You can’t teach someone to be a good Samaritan, you either have it in your heart or you don’t.”
His wife JoAnn Regnier described him as a “man of God” and explained how he regularly helps older women who live alone with house repairs. She said her husband had once repaired one homeowner’s furnace, allowing her to stay in her home as winter approached.
She added sending him to jail would “financially destitute” them due to his heavy involvement in their property management business.
The defense also showed a 6-minute video including testimony from friends who spoke to Regnier’s high character and upstanding community citizenship.
‘Rough Day’
Rankin acknowledged the complexity Regnier’s crime, describing the situation as a “rough day.” Rankin said he would seek for a punishment that was “sufficient but not greater than necessary.”
He continued by addressing the fact that Yellowstone regularly receives over 4 million visitors per year and that park employees are crucial to keeping visitors safe. Rankin also acknowledged testimony from the employee, who was not present, saying they lost sleep due to thinking about what could have happened to them that day.
The judge said he believed Regnier does respect the law given his spotless criminal history and suspected he is not likely to become a repeat offender. He also acknowledged Regnier would not do well in prison given his age but disagreed with the defense that he constituted as “elderly.”
Because of this, Rankin lowered Regnier’s sentencing level from 26 to 17. These numbers help provide guidelines which help judges decide appropriate sentences.
With a sentencing level of 17, Regnier faced between 24 to 30 months in prison. Rankin issued him the lower sentence of 24 months.
Rankin then assessed him a $25,000 fine, which Wright argued was too high given his decreased level. Rankin agreed and adjusted it to $10,000.
The judge gave Regnier one year of probation following his release from prison during which time he will be banned from Yellowstone National Park. During that time he is also directed to undergo an anger management evaluation.
Regnier has until December 29 to self-surrender and begin serving his sentence. During the interim time, his defense said he plans to undergo knee surgery and rehabilitation.
Jackson Walker can be reached at walker@cowboystatedaily.com.
