Mylo Brunette v. United States

A dent on the fender of a government automobile that cost only $32.50 to repair can’t be much of a dent. Yet, a bump causing such a dent has been parlayed into a federal case in this court.

Mylo Brunette, appellant herein, an Indian residing in the Fort Hall Indian Reservation in Idaho, was driving his red pickup truck on a Reservation road when he was flagged down and stopped by two Indian police. One approached the truck stating that he had a warrant for appellant’s arrest. After appellant asked who signed the warrant, it was shown to him signed by Judge Mary Matts. Whether appellant had an aversion to all lady judges or to this particular lady judge does not appear ; in any event, he was not impressed. He stated that the warrant was no good and said, “I am not going with you. * * * Get that police car out of there or I’ll ram it.” Appellant’s wife was seated in the truck with him. The policeman heard appellant say, “Give me the forty-five.” With that, the appellant backed his truck up and went around the police vehicle. The police car, in a manner reminiscent of a Keystone comedy, followed appellant’s truck with its red light flashing and the . siren screaming. About a mile…