Teen struck jaywalking

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint High School student escaped serious injury last week after being hit by a motorist while jaywalking across Division Avenue, according to Sandpoint Police.

“We didn’t cite her, but I think she learned a real valuable lesson,” police Chief Mark Lockwood said.

The collision happened shortly after 7:30 a.m. north of the crosswalk at U.S. Highway 2. The 17-year-old girl told police she crossed the northbound lane of Division and walked between southbound vehicles that were stopped to turn east onto the highway.

When she emerged from between the vehicles, she stepped into the path of a Toyota 4-Runner that was traveling southbound and approaching the highway, according to her account. One of the sport utility vehicle’s tires ran over her foot and a driver-side mirror struck her in the elbow, which caused her to fall.

The driver of the 39-year-old driver of the SUV stopped to see if the teen was injured. Lockwood said the girl assured the motorist she was OK and both parties continued on their way.

“That was not a good place to cross because she was about 60 feet from a crosswalk and a pedestrian crossing system,” said Lockwood.

The teen later reported the incident to a school resource officer, which initiated a police investigation. However, officers had only basic descriptions of the vehicle and its driver to go by.

Lockwood said officers cased the intersection until they found a driver and vehicle which matched the teen’s description. Lockwood said officers made contact with the driver on Tuesday, who gave an account which mirrored that of the teen.