Driver in fatal crash pleads not guilty

A 33-year-old Columbia Falls man pleaded not guilty to negligent homicide Thursday in Flathead District Court.

According to a court document, David Elmer was the driver of a car involved in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. 2 and Jellison Lane at 10 a.m. on June 24, 2010.

The driver of the motorcycle involved in the crash was pronounced dead at the scene.

The document states that when a trooper with the Montana Highway Patrol spoke with Elmer, he told the trooper that he pulled out onto the highway and there was a sudden “explosion” in the car as his airbags deployed. He said he had looked both ways and didn’t see anyone coming.

Driving conditions at the time were reported to be nominal — sunny, 68 degrees and only a slight wind.

The court document also states that a blood sample taken from Elmer and analyzed at the Montana State Crime Lab revealed he had THC — the psychoactive compound in marijuana — in his system at the time of the crash.

If convicted, Elmer faces up to 20 years in jail and a fine of up to $50,000.

His next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 19.