Driver who struck cyclist pleads guilty

SANDPOINT — A Kootenai man is pleading guilty to inattentive driving in connection with a collision with a cyclist last month, court records show.

Emil Lee Pedrini pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge during his arraignment in Bonner County Magistrate Court on Friday.

Pedrini, 57, waived his right to defense counsel and Judge Lori Meulenberg accepted his plea as being entered knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily, court indicate.

The collision occurred near rush hour at the intersection of Baldy Mountain Road and North Boyer Avenue on Aug. 7.

Pedrini, who was on Baldy and attempting to turn left onto Boyer, told Idaho State Police he saw the cyclist pedaling southbound on Boyer, looked to his right to observe traffic and pulled out of the intersection, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Pedrini’s Chevrolet Silverado struck the cyclist sending her sprawling into the street, where she was helped by a number of passersby. The cyclist said she came away from the crash with broken and cracked ribs, a mild concussion and numerous scrapes and bruises.

The cyclist said she was grateful for the assistance she received at the scene.

Inattentive driving, a lesser offense than reckless driving, is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $300 fine, according to Idaho Code.

Pedrini is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 25.

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