The Courtyard victim of hit and run

COLFAX – Paul Potts, 63, Lewiston, was booked into Whitman County Jail May 10 for three charges including hit and run after allegedly hitting The Courtyard and a city crosswalk flag holder and walking away from the scene.

According to the arrest report, Whitman County Sheriff's Deputy Bryce Nebe was flagged down by a witness who arrived on scene after hearing the sound of the collision. The witness also saw the driver walk northbound from the scene.

According to the police report, the vehicle, a red 1998 Buick Regal, was heading northbound, crossed the centerline and jumped the curb to hit the building, glanced off toward the the road, jumped a bump out curb and hit the crosswalk flag holder. Other witnesses confirmed the description of the drive, a man in his 50s or 60s using a cane.

Deputies located the driver four and a half hours later, identified as Potts. He admitted to hitting the building, claiming the front tire had popped, according to the report. Potts told deputies he had left to report the collision, but no report had yet been made, nor were any employees or owners of The Courtyard notified by him.

Potts was also booked for driving with a suspended license and a warrant out of Colfax.