Oldtown man dies in crash

SANDPOINT — Western Bonner County was the scene for two serious car accidents Tuesday, including one fatality.

An Oldtown man was killed at about 12:05 a.m. Tuesday morning while driving along Old Priest River Road, according to Idaho State Police.

John R. Sullivan, 38, was westbound in his Ford Bronco when he veered left of center, and struck an eastbound tractor-trailer driven by Palouse, Wash., resident Nolan Bearden, 45.

The two vehicles collided head-on, according to ISP.

While Bearden was uninjured in the accident, Sullivan was not wearing a seat belt and was killed. Idaho State Police troopers have made family notifications.  

Later, at 8:25 a.m., another accident occurred on State Highway 57. Oldtown resident Paul Ruczak, 60, was driving a semi-truck along the highway when he went off the road. His truck overturned and struck several trees throughout the course of the accident. However, Ruczak was wearing a seat belt. Emergency personnel transported  Ruczak to Newport Hospital.

In both accidents, the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office provided assistance to the Idaho State Police.