Drunk driver sentenced for paralyzing newlywed in crash

KOOTENAI COUNTY, ID. -- A Washington man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for a DUI crash injuring a man and woman celebrating their recent marriage.

According to the Kootenai County Prosecutor's Office, 25-year-old Rodney Bradley was driving on I-90 near Rose Lake on February 8, 2024. Prosecutors say Bradley was going approximately 117 mph when he crashed into the victims' vehicle.

The victim vehicle was being driven by a 31-year-old woman with a 29-year-old man in the passenger seat. Prosecutors say the couple was heading home after celebrating getting their marriage certificate.

Prosecutors say both victims suffered spine fractures and numerous lacerations in the crash. The woman was also scalped and paralyzed, according to the prosecutor's office.

Officers determined Bradley's BAC was .077 and he was under the influence of meth at the time of the crash. Prosecutors say despite Bradley's BAC being below the legal limit, it is illegal to drive under the influence of any substance, or a combination of substances.

Bradley was found guilty of two counts of aggravated assault and being a repeat offender. The prosecutor's office says he has half a dozen previous convictions in the State of Washington of assault, robbery, and other similar charges.

Bradley was sentenced to two 25-year concurrent sentences and is eligible for parole after 10 years.

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