Rathdrum man critical after being dragged by vehicle

RATHDRUM - A 51-year-old Rathdrum man was in critical condition on Friday afternoon at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle after a vehicle driven by his wife dragged him nearly 100 feet, police said.

Timothy Wilhite suffered severe injuries to his head and body during the incident on Cassia Street near Nagel Street around 12:30 p.m. Thursday.

"The victim was drug underneath the vehicle," Rathdrum Police Chief Kevin Fuhr said.

Joyce Wilhite, Timothy's 45-year-old wife, was arrested for leaving the scene of an injury accident, a felony, and booked into the Kootenai County jail.

"Statements made by Mrs. Wilhite allege that Mr. Wilhite was attempting to keep her from driving away from the residence after having a verbal argument," according to a press release. "Mrs. Wilhite alleges that Mr. Wilhite jumped on the front of the vehicle while she was driving away from the residence and that as she drove down the street Mr. Wilhite fell off the vehicle.

"After Mr. Wilhite fell off the vehicle and was run over, Mrs. Wilhite allegedly left the scene and returned to her residence failing to call or contact law enforcement about the accident."

When Rathdrum officers responded to the reported injury accident, Wilhite was laying in the road with injuries. Officers assisted EMTs from Northern Lakes Fire. Wilhite was transported to Kootenai Medical Center before being transferred to Harborview.

"Prior to being transported to KMC, Wilhite stated that his wife struck him," the press release states.

Three witnesses told police that a woman driving a gold Chevrolet SUV, which was left unoccupied at the scene, struck Wilhite. Officers obtained evidence from the scene indicating he was dragged about 100 feet.

Officers then contacted Joyce at a residence down the street from the accident scene.

An investigation continues.