DUI suspect pleads guilty

COOLIN — A Bonner County man accused of injuring a passenger in rollover crash pleaded guilty to a reduced driving under the influence charge, court records show.

James Louis Davis was originally charged with aggravated DUI because of injuries his passenger sustained in the June 10 crash on Eastshore Road.

A witness told a sheriff’s deputy that Davis’ Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck took a corner in the 8000 block at a high rate of speed, causing the truck to overturn, according to court documents. A motorcyclist whose bike was clipped by the pickup told a sheriff’s deputy that the pickup was traveling 50-70 mph on Eastshore, a notoriously winding and narrow road on the east side of the lake.

The truck rolled down an embankment, injuring his passenger. The woman suffered a concussion and a broken collarbone, court records indicate.

Davis, 50, suffered injuries in the crash but refused medical treatment, the affidavit said.

Davis, according to court documents, told a deputy he consumed three drinks prior to the crash. His breath-alcohol content was measured at 0.19 — more than twice the legal limit of 0.08.

In addition to the felony DUI charge, Davis was further charged with possessing an open container of alcohol.

Davis pleaded guilty to misdemeanor DUI on July 10 in Bonner County Magistrate Court, records show. After accepting the plea as being entered knowingly and voluntarily, Judge Justin Julian scheduled an Aug. 13 sentencing hearing.

Davis is free on a $2,500 surety bond while the case is pending.

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