Motorist in crossing incident pleads guilty to DUI

SANDPOINT - A Sagle woman who was nearly hit by an oncoming locomotive after apparently falling asleep in her car on a set of railroad tracks is pleading guilty to misdemeanor driving under the influence.

Erin Ellis Wert's sentencing hearing is pending.

Wert, according to eyewitness accounts, escaped injury after Bonner County Sheriff's Deputy Aaron Flynn used his patrol vehicle to push her car out of the way of the oncoming train. Wert was discovered by Vicky Groeper, a Daily Bee carrier who called dispatchers upon finding the woman's Subaru on the tracks.

See PLEA, Page 3

"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Deputy Aaron Flynn, Vicky Groeper and the Bonner County Dispatchers," Wert said in a statement. "Their quick decisive action saved my life. I am forever indebted for the second chance I've been given."

The episode unfolded at the BNSF Railway crossing on Bottle Bay Road in the pre-dawn hours of Aug. 30. Groeper happened upon Wert and attempted to wake her up without success. Flynn, meanwhile, was dispatched and closed in on the crossing as the train also drew closer.

Flynn pushed Wert's compact across the tracks, backed up and around the crossing arms, his incident report said. Flynn estimated in the report that he cleared the at-grade crossing with only 2 to 3 seconds to spare.

Wert's defense counsel said if not for the acts of heroism the incident would have ended tragically.

"Saving lives is the highest calling of public service. Officer Flynn reacted bravely in the face of a very dangerous situation. His performance in the line of duty is commendable," Powell said in a statement.

Wert, 31, was charged after her blood-alcohol content was measured at nearly 0.19, which is more than twice the legal limit to drive. She was scheduled to be tried next month.