More charges possible in truck-motorcycle accident

A 24-year-old Lakeside High School graduate accused of being drunk when he collided with a motorcycle resulting in the death of a rider could face more charges.

Jonathan A. Smith, of Spirit Lake, is being charged with vehicular man-slaughter, a mis-demeanor, and two felonies including concealing evidence and DUI, as well as possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, and having an open container.

Prosecutors this week filed motions to amend the charges, and to disqualify First District Magistrate Judge Timothy Van Valin from the preliminary hearing, which could take place within 10 days.

According to state police, Smith was driving a 1992 Dodge Dakota around 11 p.m. May 4 on Highway 41, two miles south of Spirit Lake, when he turned onto a side road in front of a northbound 2002 Harley Davidson motorcycle being driven by Mark J. Kondash, 49, of Newport, Wash. The motorcycle struck the side of the pickup truck, according to Idaho State Police troopers. Kondash and passenger, Alayna C. Wright, 48, also of Newport, were ejected. Wright died at the scene. Kondash was transported to Kootenai Health where he was listed as critical earlier this week. His condition had been upgraded to good by Thursday evening.

Smith was unharmed in the crash. He is in the Kootenai County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

Both Kondash and Wright were wearing helmets.

According to police, Smith’s blood alcohol level was .114 and .106, significantly over the .08 legal limit.

Police said Smith hid a box of beer, a jar containing marijuana and an orange glass pipe in the bushes near the crash site. He allegedly told troopers he stashed the items while he checked on the riders of the motorcycle.

Defense attorneys asked the court to set bond at $50,000, arguing that Smith has a job as an HVAC apprentice, and that he has a lot of support from his family and friends. Prosecutors asked for a $150,000 bond.

Magistrate Clark A. Peterson opted for the higher bond, leaving motions for bond reduction to be addressed at future proceedings.