Marijuana detected in blood of driver

A 33-year-old Columbia Falls man pleaded not guilty to felony negligent homicide in Flathead County District Court on June 7 in connection with a fatal wreck on U.S. 2 two years ago.

According to court records and a Montana Highway Patrol investigation, David Elmer was driving a passenger car on Jellison Road about 10 a.m. on June 24, 2010. He said he pulled out onto the highway after looking both ways and then heard a loud noise followed by the air bags deploying.

The driver of a motorcycle on U.S. 2 that collided with Elmer’s vehicle, David Schmidt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Highway Patrol trooper Robert Hensley reported that no adverse road conditions were apparent, the painted lines and stop sign were clear and visible, and vehicles leaving Jellison Road had good visibility in both directions.

A blood sample taken from Elmer was sent to the Montana State Crime Lab. Analysis revealed Elmer had 28 micrograms per milliliter of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, and 77 micrograms per milliliter of THC-COOH, a metabolite of THC.

Elmer was charged in April this year with felony negligent homicide. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. His next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 19.