Trial ordered in DUI crash

SANDPOINT — A Kootenai man was ordered Wednesday to stand trial for fleeing the scene of a Highway 200 crash he allegedly caused by driving under the influence of drugs.

Chad Thomas Gatlin, 39, is scheduled to be arraigned next month on a felony charge of leaving the scene of an injury crash. Gatlin also faces a second-offense driving under the influence charge and operating a vehicle without liability insurance, a misdemeanor and an infraction, respectively.

The crash happened on April 6 at the Boise Street intersection.

The injured driver in the collision testified during a preliminary hearing that he was waiting for traffic to clear so he could turn, when he saw Gatlin rapidly approaching from behind him.

After the crash, the 19-year-old victim told the court that Gatlin drove off.

A Bonner County sheriff’s deputy testified that he followed a trail of automotive fluids to a Kootenai residence, where a pickup truck matching witnesses’ description was parked.

The Toyota, which was registered to Gatlin, had obvious collision damage and blood in the cab. Gatlin allegedly admitted to his involvement in the crash. He denied drinking alcohol prior to crash, but said he had taken methadone, a narcotic analgesic, and a central nervous system depressant.

A certified drug-recognition expert from Idaho State Police concluded Gatlin was intoxicated. An evidentiary test confirmed there was no alcohol in Gatlin’s system, according to court documents.

The defense called no witnesses and Gatlin did not testify during the hearing.

Judge Justin Julian found there was sufficient evidence to try Gatlin on the felony charge. Gatlin’s arraignment in 1st District Court is scheduled for May 7.

A jury trial in the DUI case is set for June 21 in magistrate court.