SPALDING, ID — A Washington man was arrested on suspicion of aggravated DUI after a head-on crash Sunday night on the Spalding Bridge left both drivers seriously injured, according to Idaho State Police.
The crash occurred at approximately 9:37 p.m. July 26 on U.S. Highway 95 at milepost 304. Investigators said a black 2020 GMC Sierra driven by a 29-year-old Deer Park, Washington man was traveling northbound across the Spalding Bridge over the Clearwater River when it crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a white 1999 Toyota Tacoma.
The Tacoma was driven by a 20-year-old man from Lapwai. The impact caused the pickup to overturn. Both drivers were transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital with injuries. Idaho State Police said both men were wearing seat belts, and airbags deployed in both vehicles.
According to the preliminary investigation, alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the crash. The driver of the GMC Sierra was arrested on a charge of aggravated DUI and booked into the Nez Perce County Jail without incident.
Highway 95 at the Spalding Bridge was closed for approximately three and a half hours while emergency crews responded and cleared the scene. Assisting agencies included the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office, Nez Perce Tribal Police Department, Lewiston EMS, and the Idaho Department of Transportation.
