Thornton man pleads not guilty to a DUI hit-and-run wreck

Riley Maley, 31, denied charges of DUI, vehicular assault, and felony hit-and-run during his arraignment in Whitman County Superior Court. The incident on April 26 left a 71-year-old man hospitalized after Maley allegedly failed to yield at a stop sign, resulting in a collision on U. S. Highway 195 near Rosalia. After the crash, Maley reportedly continued driving until deputies from the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office apprehended him.

He was booked into jail and later released on bond. Judge Roger Sandberg stated that Maley faces up to 10 years in prison for the vehicular assault charge and five years for felony hit-and-run. The 71-year-old victim was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane for treatment, but details regarding his condition remain undisclosed. Maley's trial is set for July 14, where a jury will evaluate the evidence and testimony presented. This case highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and the consequences of impaired driving.