State Sen. Greg Barkus’ trial for a Flathead Lake boat crash that injured five people is expected to be postponed so attorneys on both sides can have more time to prepare.
The 62-year-old Kalispell Republican is charged with one count of criminal endangerment and two counts of negligent vehicular assault for an Aug. 27 crash that injured him and his four passengers, including U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg.
The judge handling the case had set an April 5 trial date and ordered prosecutors to provide the defense with a copy of an accident reconstruction report by Tuesday.
But Flathead County Attorney Ed Corrigan says the accident expert will not be able to examine the crash scene until late March or April. Meanwhile, defense attorney Todd Glazier has requested an extension because he is “working on resolving this matter without the need for a trial.”
Prosecutors say Barkus’ blood alcohol content was 0.16 — twice the legal limit for driving — nearly two hours after the accident, which left the boat perched atop a rocky outcropping.