Reward offered for collision info

PONDERAY — A Sandpoint couple is offering a cash reward for information about a pickup truck driver who struck a cyclist on Friday.

Jesse Leiser was riding parallel to Kootenai Cutoff Road at about 2:30 p.m. when he was struck by a motorist who was pulling onto the road to head east toward Highway 200. The collision happened in the strip mall parking lot across from The Home Depot.

Leiser was thrown into the cutoff road and seriously injured his foot in the collision. The motorist blamed Leiser for the crash and said he could do nothing else before leaving the scene.

“He just got a really big attitude about it,” said Jessie Cromwell, Leiser’s fiancee.

The bones atop Leiser’s foot were pulverized, which will require treatment in Spokane, Cromwell said. Leiser was wearing a helmet, sparing him further injury.

Cromwell said Ponderay Police advised her the incident amounts to a hit and run.

“We’re just hoping somebody will come forward,” said Cromwell.

The vehicle involved in the crash is described as a gold three-quarter ton. The driver appeared to be older with graying hair.

Cromwell said the incident underscores the importance of gathering as much information as possible following a collision. She said Leiser, who was in shock, believed he was OK, but later discovered he was more seriously injured.

Those with information about the incident are asked to call Cromwell at (208) 597-6076 or Ponderay Police at 265-4251.