Officials: Critically hurt 18YO Hayden man tried to outrun train

Detective Dennis Stinebaugh/Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office issues this latest press release on car-train crash Thursday:

The driver of the vehicle struck at the Union Pacific’s rail crossing at Huetter Rd, Austin C. Wiseman of Hayden, is still listed in critical condition according to Kootenai Health. The passenger of the vehicle has been identified as 15 year old Brandie M. Zaring of Coeur d’Alene, ID. Zaring has since been treated and released from Kootenai Health to her family.

The preliminary investigation reveals that Wiseman was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV with Zaring as a passenger. Prior to the collision, his vehicle had been observed in a wooded area between Lancaster Rd. and Huetter Rd., which he accessed by driving on narrow dirt service type road that not for public use. This service road is private property owned by the Union Pacific Railroad.

As the train approached westbound, Wiseman, who was also traveling westbound, accelerated as he drove along the service road parallel to the UP railroad tracks. Witnesses believed Wiseman appeared to be attempting to “beat the train” as he approached Huetter Rd. Once Wiseman reached Huetter Rd., he then quickly turned southbound directly in front of the train without stopping at the well posted crossing. Wiseman’s vehicle was subsequently struck in the driver’s side door due to his failure to yield the right of way to the train.

The train consisted of and engine and only 13 rail cars. It’s exactly speed in not known at this time, however it’s estimated speed at the time of the collision was approximately 45MPH. Data from the train is being downloaded and will be reviewed by investigators.

Train vs vehicle or pedestrian collisions are normally very tragic events, yet they are easily preventable. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone “When you see tracks, Always think train!” Additionally, railroad right of ways, including their service roads, are privately owned and it’s a crime to trespass on them.