Accident on the bridge leads to DUI arrest
Courtesy photo Police responded to a head-on collision on the Kootenai River Bridge on Wednesday night, Oct. 22. Following the accident, Bonners Ferry police arrested one of the drivers on a DUI charge.
(Courtesy Photo) the 2012 GMC pickup crossed into the northbound lane and struck a 1992 GMC pickup head on.
Photo by TANNA YEOUMANS
BONNERS FERRY — A head-on collision occurred on the Kootenai River Bridge at 6:45 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22, when a southbound 2012 GMC pickup driven by Christopher Powers crossed into the northbound lane and struck a 1992 GMC pickup, according to a witness account in the police report.
According to the police report, Powers was still in the vehicle when law enforcement arrived and appeared confused as to what had happened.
“I explained to Powers that he was involved in a vehicle crash which Powers did not seem to grasp,” wrote Bonners Ferry Police Sergeant Willie Cowell in the police report. “Powers’ eyes were bloodshot and watery, his speech slurred, and his movements slow and deliberate.”
A second witness also then confirmed that Power’s vehicle had simply crossed from the southbound lane and struck the other vehicle head on.
According to the police report, Powers agreed to perform a field sobriety evaluation, which he failed. He was then arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance or substances.
During the booking process, Powers continually nodded off and fell asleep, stated Cowell.
According to the police report, the first breath sample taken at 7:52 p.m. resulted in a .076 and a urine analysis showed a preliminary positive result of TCH in Power’s system.
Powers was charged with misdemeanor first offense driving under the influence (alcohol and drugs) and was released without bail.
The extend of the injuries to the other driver where unknown.