Despite Problems, He Was Still Driving

Sandpoint police knew 82-year-old Samuel Wagner had trouble driving weeks ago.

But Wagner still had his driver’s license when he hit a pedestrian in a downtown crosswalk Wednesday, according to police reports.

The pedestrian, Leland White, 87, was listed in serious condition Sunday at Kootenai Medical Center’s intensive care unit.

Two weeks ago, Sandpoint po lice received a report that Wagner was driving on sidewalks and veering too close to other cars, said Cpl. David Biggerstaff.

The officer pulled Wagner over near the post office. Wagner seemed confused and had difficulty pulling his license out, Biggerstaff said.

The officer decided the Sandpoint man needed to be re-evaluated for whether he still was capable of driving. Biggerstaff filled out the paperwork requiring Wagner to have a medical, eye and driving test.

The law allowed Wagner at least 30 days to complete the tests.

Two weeks later, Wagner was driving his Blazer north on First Avenue as White was walking through the crosswalk.

The right side of the Blazer’s windshield struck White’s head, knocking him about 10 feet, said Capt. Ralph Mavity.

Wagner did not know he had hit anything and kept driving a short ways.

“I had to point it out to him,” Mavity said. “He’s a nice gentleman. He was very upset.”

Mavity seized the elderly man’s driver’s license and has asked to have it suspended.

, DataTimes