Plea entered on behalf of crash suspect

SANDPOINT — A First District judge entered a not guilty plea at a Thursday arraignment hearing for a Boundary County man in connection to charges related to a fatal November car crash on Highway 95.  

First District Judge Susie Jensen entered the plea on behalf of Rick Quinton Gross when the Moyie Springs man elected to remain silent when instructed to enter a plea. 

Gross, 61, was officially charged with three felony counts of aggravated reckless driving, felony vehicular manslaughter, felony possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to use.  

Gross’ charges originated from a Nov. 22 fatal crash that killed 5-year-old Amelia Carolla and critically injured three others — her mother, Amanda, brother Patrick and family friend Anna Andreykovets — all of whom were in a northbound vehicle in the opposing lane.

According to court documents, Gross allegedly struck the other vehicle head-on as he attempted to pass another southbound driver. According to court reports, witnesses allegedly told ISP troopers that Gross seemed to be in a hurry and was seen passing several other vehicles in a reckless matter. 

A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for June 16, with a five-day trial slated to take place July 14.