Monday, September 14, 2020

ISP & Kootenai County Prosecutor search for witnesses in wrong way driver investigation

IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE - generated by our News Release ListServer
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IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
District 1 Patrol 615 West Wilbur Ave. Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
For Immediate Release: 09/14/20 1:00 pm


Investigators with the Idaho State Police and the Kootenai County Prosecutor's Office have new evidence that indicates there may be more witnesses to a wrong-way driver on Interstate 90 Friday afternoon. That driver is accused of causing a crash that killed a Spokane Valley man. Troopers are urging any additional witnesses to come forward.

Search for Additional Witnesses: Troopers appreciate one witness who has come forward with a dashcam video. The video, courtesy of the Grabert family, shows a grey SUV traveling the wrong way on the eastbound interstate just moments before the collision. Several eastbound drivers are seen quickly swerving to miss the wrong-way suspect vehicle.

Several witnesses stopped and gave statements to investigating troopers following the collision. The video, however, shows a number of other drivers who may have witnessed the wrong-way suspect vehicle who has not yet spoken to police. Troopers are urging anyone who witnessed a grey SUV traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of I90 just west of Coeur d'Alene at approximately 12:37 p.m. last Friday, September 11, and has not yet spoken with them to contact ISP's Coeur d'Alene office via ISP dispatch at 208-209-8730.

"A young man sadly did not survive this crash. The video shows there may be more people who can help us put together what happened. We hope when those folks realize what they witnessed, they'll contact investigating troopers," said Captain John Kempf of the Idaho State Police District 1 in Coeur d'Alene.

What Happened: Friday, September 11, at approximately 12:37 p.m., Idaho State Police were called to respond to a three-vehicle crash on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 just west of Coeur d'Alene. Troopers found evidence that the driver of a grey SUV entered the interstate at Northwest Boulevard, Exit 11, traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes. Investigators say it appears the SUV driver hit an eastbound sedan head-on. The sedan then hit a third vehicle.

The driver of the sedan, Jeremy T. Scherer, 24, of Spokane Valley died from his injuries.

After being treated by medical personnel, the alleged wrong-way driver was arrested on the following:

Arrested: Christine M. Cann, 57, Coeur d Alene
Charge: Vehicular Manslaughter (F)

The video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/mnQvCNx1MQ8

Again, anyone who witnessed the suspect vehicle before the collision in Interstate 90 Friday, September 11, is urged to contact the Idaho State Police at 208-209-8730.

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Previously Released:
Saturday, Sept. 12, 7:10pm

UPDATE:

Jeremy T. Scherer succumbed to his injuries and next of kin have been notified.
Christine Cann has been arrested and charged with felony vehicular manslaughter. She's been taken to the Kootenai County Public Safety Building.


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Friday, Sept. 11, 7:50pm

On September 11, 2020 at approximately 12:37 p.m., Idaho State Police investigated a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 90 near milepost 10, just west of Coeur d Alene.

Christine M. Cann, 57, of Coeur d Alene, ID, in a silver 2020 Toyota Rav4 entered the interstate from Northwest Boulevard, Exit 11, traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes. Cann continued to travel in the wrong direction when she hit Jeremy T Scherer, 24, of Spokane Valley, WA, in a white 2014 Chevrolet Sonic head-on near milepost 10. The collision caused Scherer to spin sideways where he was struck on his driver's side by Christopher B. Comer, 57, of Issaquah, WA in a silver 2019 Subaru Forester. Scherers and Comers vehicles continued off of the right shoulder and came to rest near the bike path. Canns vehicle came to rest in the middle of the eastbound lanes.

Cann and Scherer were both transported to Kootenai Health. All three drivers were wearing their safety belts. The roadway was blocked for approximately three hours. The investigation is ongoing, if anyone witnessed this crash or has any information please contact Trooper Archer 208/209-8730.

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