Not Guilty Plea in Polson Bicyclist Hit-and-Run

By Beacon Staff

POLSON – A Polson man has pleaded not guilty for allegedly driving into a 16-year-old girl as she was riding a bicycle.

The collision Nov. 25 left the girl with serious injuries including broken bones.

Twenty-seven-year-old Jonas Buckman pleaded not guilty Thursday to negligent vehicular assault and leaving the scene of an accident involving death or injury.

Authorities say the girl was with a group of teens when a pickup truck hit her. The driver allegedly fled to a nearby home. Authorities say they arrested Buckman at the home without incident.

Buckman was released on $5,000 bond. A pre-trial hearing is set for Jan. 14.