Guy Garry Guerrero Taken into Custody: Chubbuck Individual Accused of Causing a Fatal Accident While Intoxicated, Resulting in the Death of a Pocatello Female

 A 25-year-old man from Chubbuck is facing serious legal issues after a drunk driving incident in downtown Pocatello on Saturday night resulted in the death of a local woman.

Authorities have identified the individual as Guy Garry Guerrero, who has been charged with vehicular manslaughter and aggravated DUI, per the reports from Pocatello police and Bannock County court documents. If found guilty, Guerrero may face a prison sentence of up to 30 years.

According to police reports, Guerrero was operating a 2022 Ford F-250 pickup truck heading south on North Arthur Avenue around 7 p.m. when he ignored a red light at West Clark Street and collided with a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser that was proceeding east on a green light. The driver of the PT Cruiser, identified as 29-year-old Lena Marie Phelps from Pocatello, sustained severe injuries and was declared dead at Portneuf Medical Center at 7:42 p.m.

A 30-year-old occupant in Phelps' vehicle experienced significant injuries, including a broken jaw, and was taken to a hospital for medical care.

Officers reported a strong smell of alcohol coming from Guerrero’s breath, along with slurred speech and bloodshot, glassy eyes. Guerrero refused to participate in field sobriety tests and declined to provide breath samples, which led the police to secure a warrant for a blood test.

Footage from traffic cameras and witness testimonies suggest that Guerrero's pickup was speeding, with estimates around 100 mph just before the accident near Pocatello High School. The collision caused the PT Cruiser to flip several times and come to a stop in a nearby parking area, while Guerrero's truck continued moving south, crashing into a city light pole and a signboard. Guerrero suffered minor injuries and was arrested along with a passenger.

Court documents further mention that a significant amount of cash was discovered hidden near the crash site, and law enforcement was looking for Guerrero’s vehicle concerning other incidents, including gunfire in the bar area a few hours prior to the accident. He has not been charged regarding those earlier events.

Guerrero participated in a hearing via video with 6th District Magistrate Judge Aaron Thompson, who set his bail at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 7, 2026. Each of the charges he faces has a maximum penalty of 15 years, and prosecutors might try to escalate the case to district court for trial.

The Pocatello police expressed their condolences to the family of the victim, highlighting the risks associated with driving under the influence. "We understand the significant effect this situation holds for the family of the victim and the community," the department communicated. "We urge drivers to operate their vehicles soberly, adhere to traffic regulations, and report any suspected impaired drivers to ensure the safety of our community."