Rick Gross, 61, Moyie Springs, had his bond reduced from $500,000 to S250,000 and can be placed under house arrest once bond is paid following his first appearance in a Bonner County courtroom Thursday afternoon on charges stemming from a fatal crash near Elmira November 22.*
Magistrate Judge Susie Jensen allowed the requests by defense counsel Craig Zanetti to allow Gross, who suffered a traumatic brain injury and is confined to a wheelchair, so that he could continue to receive medical care. Under the order, he is to be monitored at all times and leave his home only for medical appointments and court proceedings.
The crash on Highway 95 killed five-year-old Amelia Corollo and injured Amelia’s brother, Patrick, driver Anna Andreykovets, 33, Otis Orchards, Washington, and friend Amanda Corollo, 33, Deer Park, mother of Amelia and Patrick and still in the hospital … confined now to a wheelchair.
According to the ISP report, Gross was driving south on Highway 95 near mile 489.8 in a blue 2011 Dodge Ram when he pulled into the northbound lane to pass four vehicles he’d been following that had been traveling below the speed due to falling snow and a slushy road surface.
At about 8:35 a.m., he hit the northbound black 2008 Ford Edge, the family on their way to British Columbia for one of Patrick’s hockey games.
Gross was charged with vehicular manslaughter, three counts of aggravated driving while reckless and possession of methamphetamines, all felonies, and possession of paraphernalia, a misdemeanor.
According to court documents, Gross was in a hurry because he was late for an eye appointment.
Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 21.
* My initial report indicated he had made bond and was released. He has not made bond and remains in custody. — Mike Weland