1st Officer To Make Contact With Man Accused Of Hitting Moore Students Testifies On Day 5 Of Trial

The state continued to call witnesses forward on day five of testimony in the trial against Max Townsend. Townsend is accused of hitting a group of Moore high school cross country runners with his truck at nearly 80 mph, killing three and injuring several others. 

Tuesday’s testimony honed in on the first moments officers came into contact with Townsend.

The state spent most of the day with Moore police Sgt. David Grant on the stand.

Grant was the first officer to arrive on scene back on February 3, 2020.

When driving up to the scene he knew back up was following in behind him. He testified in court Tuesday his main focus that day was asking witnesses where the truck was that hit the students.

Dash camera video showed in court showed Grant when he pulled up to Townsend. After he made initial contact, he put Townsend in his patrol car. He testified that after Townsend was in his patrol car for a period of time, he could smell alcohol on him. 

The officer said in a standard field sobriety test he saw multiple clues that made him believe Townsend was impaired. 

The defense argued back that Townsend could be heard on body camera telling officers he lost consciousness after choking on a Red Bull. And that a field sobriety test isn’t 100% on being able to tell if someone is impaired. 

The defense also pointed out that there never was alcohol or drugs found in the truck. 

In opening statements, it was revealed that Townsend had a trace of marijuana in his system and his BAC was .06. 

The state is expected to rest Wednesday.