C-Falls man denies vehicle assault charge

A Columbia Falls man denied allegations that he caused a collision while driving under the influence, resulting in life-threatening injuries to a child in the car with him.

Brian Scott Loucks, 34, pleaded not guilty to felony negligent vehicular assault in Flathead District Court on March 30.

In April 2016, a Montana state trooper responded to a crash at the intersection of U.S. 206 and Kelly Road. According to court documents, a pickup traveling down Kelly Road had failed to yield at a stop sign, resulting in a collision with a large tanker.

Upon arrival, the trooper found the driver of the pickup, identified as Loucks, had gotten out, but a 9-year-old boy was injured and still trapped inside the severely damaged vehicle.

The child was rushed to Kalispell Regional Medical Center for emergency treatment of injuries to his head, arm and spine.

According to the responding officer’s report, the boy’s injuries were so severe, he then had to be airlifted to Washington for additional surgeries.

The officer said he noted an odor of marijuana coming from Loucks when they spoke and later located a container of marijuana in Loucks’ pocket. Loucks admitted to having smoked prior to the accident.

The driver of the tanker testified that the pickup had pulled out in front of him, and there was not enough time to stop before they crashed.

According to court documents, a sample of Loucks’ blood taken after the accident revealed a blood concentration of 5.2 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood.

A jury trial has been set for Sept. 11.

If convicted, Loucks faces up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.