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Man in critical condition after crash

| December 18, 2011 8:00 PM

A 22-year-old Medical Lake man was in critical condition on Saturday after the vehicle he was driving crashed into a semi driven by a Post Falls man on Interstate 90 west of Ritzville.

David James Palmieri was traveling eastbound at 3:53 a.m. in a 1997 Nissan Altima when the vehicle drove onto the shoulder, lost control and struck a westbound 2011 Peterbilt driven by Michael S. Valentine, 32, Post Falls, according to Washington State Patrol.

It is unknown whether Palmieri, who was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, was wearing a seat belt. Police believe alcohol or drugs were a factor.

Valentine, who was wearing his seat belt, was not injured.

The Altima was totaled, while the semi was driven from the scene.

An investigation continues.