Young Man Paralyzed After Car Leaves Road

A traffic accident just west of Liberty Lake on Thursday left a 19-year-old paralyzed from the chest down, authorities said Friday.

Joseph E. Schnabl of Greenacres was in serious condition Friday at Sacred Heart Medical Center, a spokesman said. He was in the Intensive Care Unit with neck injuries.

Brook C. Peterson, 18, Rathdrum, Idaho, and Richard J. Smith, 18, Spokane, were treated for minor injuries after the one-car accident about 10:30 p.m. Thursday.

The Washington State Patrol said Peterson was driving west on Kenney Road when she failed to make a left turn and instead went off the road. The car struck an embankment and rolled, ejecting all three people.

None were wearing seat belts, according to the state patrol, which also said alcohol was involved in the accident.