Man hit on U.S. 95 while changing flat tire

BONNERS FERRY — Bonners Ferry Police Officers Jason Trujillo and Brandon Johnson were responding to a report of a stalled vehicle on the northbound shoulder of Highway 95, near milepost 508, on Feb. 14, around 3:30 p.m.

Upon arriving on the scene, they saw Ryan Doyle rendering aid and cradling the head of 92-year old Bill Tompkins, who was lying on his back near his blue Subaru.

According to the police report, Doyle said that he had been traveling northbound on Highway 95. As he negotiated the turn in the highway, he was rubbing his temple which knocked his glasses, leaving them crooked. The report stated that as he was adjusting the glasses, he “caught a glimpse of blue then felt an impact.”

Doyle told officers that he had drifted about a foot over the fog line prior to the impact, and that he believed the back hatch of Tompkins’ Subaru was open and Tompkins was behind it.

According to the police report, Doyle then stopped his vehicle approximately 200 yards north of the impact and ran back to assist whoever he had struck.

On arrival to the scene Trujillo immediately called for medical aid, and Boundary Ambulance arrived two minutes later.

According to the police report, “Tompkins disclosed to medical personnel that he recalled pulling onto the shoulder due to a flat tire.”

The report stated that several sandbags had been removed from the rear cargo area of the Tompkins’ vehicle and the tire jack had been removed from its storage location.

“It was apparent Tompkins was likely standing outside of the Subaru when he sustained his injuries,” wrote Trujillo in his report.

Tompkins was transported to a hospital and Doyle was cited and released for inattentive driving.

“Drivers need to exercise caution when negotiating curves with regards to stranded motorists,” said Trujillo. “Please watch for disabled vehicles as they may be close to the roadways due to small breakdown lanes in addition to snow buildup.”