Spokane police officer pleads not guilty to charges of vehicular assault

A Spokane police officer pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges stemming from an investigation that determined he was driving more than twice the speed limit when he struck another vehicle, injuring its passengers, in March.

Officer Michael Brunner, 27, appeared before a judge Wednesday to be arraigned on two charges of vehicular assault filed against him after the investigation was complete.

Through his attorney, Todd Maybrown, Brunner declined to comment to The Spokesman-Review after the hearing Wednesday.

An investigation by Washington State Patrol released last week found Brunner was going 65 mph in a 30 mph zone immediately before hitting another car at the intersection of Lincoln Street and Fifth Avenue on March 25.

Brunner was in his police vehicle, but was not speeding to an emergency.

The car’s driver, James Collins, sustained a broken rib and collarbone, plus bleeding in his right retina, according to the WSP report. His wife, Lois, received a laceration to the head that required staples.

A law firm representing the injured couple, Crary, Clark and Domanico Law, said in a release that Brunner ticketed James Collins for the crash immediately afterward. According to the law office, the ticket was later dismissed.

Brunner’s trial is set for Dec. 7. Judge John Cooney, who presided over the case, noted that criminal trials typically take place within 90 days of an arraignment, but Brunner’s attorney and the prosecutor both agreed to set the trial for a later date.

Brunner has been on administrative leave since the day after the crash.