Crash Kills Pickup Driver

Tue., Sept. 12, 2000

From Staff Reports

A Harrison man died early Thursday morning after his 1998 Chevy pickup truck hit a tree headon.

Christopher J. Castin, 37, was driving south on Burma Road near Highway 97. He failed to make a proper turn and hit a tree. Castin had been drinking, Idaho State Police said.

Castin was involved in a 1999 shooting after holding his parents hostage. On Aug. 29, Kootenai County deputies received a call that Castin was allegedly threatening to pour gasoline on his parents, set them on fire and shoot at law enforcement officers.

When deputies arrived at the scene, Castin came out of the home pointing a handgun at deputies. Fearing for their lives, deputies shot at him.

An investigation later revealed the weapon Castin was holding was a cap gun, but county investigations revealed the police shooting was justified.

Castin was sentenced to assault and battery earlier this year. He was given suspended jail time, community service and two years probation.

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