Man arrested after collision

SPIRIT LAKE — A Bonner County man was arrested for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a crash after allegedly ramming another motorist on Highway 41 on Friday night.

A motorist told a Bonner County sheriff’s deputy that he was hit from behind while traveling approximately 60 mph, nearly causing him to lose control of his vehicle. The motorist said the other driver gave him the finger and drove off. An Oldsmobile was later spotted on Paisley Road dragging its front bumper, according to a police affidavit.

The Olds was ultimately found abandoned in the middle of the road with moderate to severe front-end damage, the affidavit said.

Mark William Gustafson, 55, was found walking on Paisley Road. Court documents state that Gufstafson failed field sobriety tests and his breath-alcohol concentration was measured at 0.21, which is nearly three times the legal limit of 0.08.

Gustafson later posted $1,300 in surety bonds to secure his release, court records show.

A trial on the misdemeanor charges is scheduled for Oct. 11 in Bonner County Magistrate Court.

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