Press Release from Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office
COEUR d’ALENE, Idaho – Rodney Christopher Bradley, 25, was found guilty of two counts of Aggravated Driving a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence (DUI) following a 4 day jury trial that concluded on February 8, 2024. Following the trial, Bradley admitted to a Persistent Violator enhancement (sometimes called ‘habitual’ or ‘repeat offender’). Aggravated DUI is a felony punishable by up to by up to 15 years in prison. The Persistent Violator enhancement mandates that a prison sentence be no less than 5 years, but allows a Court to extend a sentence by up to life. Bradley was sentenced on April 16, 2024.
On August 18, 2023, Bradley was impaired by a combination of alcohol and a controlled substance when he collided with another vehicle on the roadway. Bradley, who at one point was clocked driving approximately 117 mph on I-90, struck a vehicle traveling in front of him in a construction zone near Rose Lake. The victim vehicle was occupied by a 29 year old male passenger and a 31 year old sober female driver who were heading home after celebrating getting their marriage certificate. The victims were propelled forward by the impact and rolled through the median. As a result, both victims’ spines were fractured and they suffered numerous lacerations to their bodies. The female victim was also scalped and paralyzed. Following Bradley’s refusal, officers obtained a search warrant and collected a sample of Bradley’s blood. An analysis of Bradley’s blood revealed that he had been driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.077 and methamphetamine in his blood. Although 0.077 is below the legal limit of 0.08, it is unlawful to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicating substances, or any combination of alcohol, drugs, and/or any other intoxicating substances.
Bradley’s criminal history – all from the State of Washington – includes convictions for felony assault and robbery (2017), obstructing law enforcement (2019), criminal trespass and violation of a no contact/protection/restraining order (2019), assault (2020), felony burglary and criminal mischief with a deadly weapon (2021), and negligent driving (2021).
Prosecuting Attorney Monica Bushling recommended concurrent life sentences with parole eligibility after 20 years.
District Judge Scott Wayman sentenced Bradley to concurrent 25 year prison sentences with parole eligibility after 10 years.
Prosecuting Attorney Stanley T. Mortensen thanks the Idaho State Police for investigating the case and the jury for their verdict.
Editor’s Note – Read about the story of Ariel Mahoney (and her husband Kurtis), the victims in this case.
