Collision suspect pleading not guilty

SANDPOINT — A Cocolalla man accused of hitting a 7-year-old boy who was waiting for a school bus is pleading not guilty.

Jason Dwight Newsome’s pleas clear the way for a jury trial in Bonner County Magistrate Court in January 2018. He is charged with failing to give immediate notification of a collision and driving without privileges, both of which are misdemeanors.

Newsome, 37, entered the pleas on Nov. 14, court records show.

The boy’s family members told Idaho State Police that a man who was later identified as Newsome dropped the boy off and said he hit him with his truck, but abruptly left without providing any information, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Newsome became a suspect in the collision after his wife called Bonner General Health and reported that she had struck him with the pickup truck. However, the woman refused to be interviewed by state police and said she had obtained legal counsel.

Newsome allegedly admitted culpability in the collision when a trooper threatened to charge him and his wife with obstruction charges, the affidavit said. Newsome said he left the scene and initially lied about his involvement because his driver’s license was suspended.

The boy reportedly suffered a broken leg and numerous abrasions to his legs and feet.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.