COEUR d'ALENE - The driver suspected of chasing three Coeur d'Alene teenagers preceding a fatal car accident near Twin Falls in September has violated his probation, an affidavit filed in Twin Falls County Court says.

A $5,000 warrant was issued July 13 for Kade D. Laughlin, 20, on grounds that the Filer man violated his probation by "continued use of alcohol."

It states that Laughlin tested positive for alcohol on July 5, as well as admitted to Twin Falls County Sheriff's deputies that he had drank beer on April 24.

"I have a drinking problem I guess," Laughlin told deputies on April 24, according to a deputy incident report.

Laughlin faces a separate misdemeanor reckless driving charge stemming from the single-car crash that claimed the lives of Coeur d'Alene High School graduates Devon Austin, 19, and Ryan Reinhardt, 18.

That trial has been set for at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23.

The maximum penalty for reckless driving is six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

The alleged alcohol infractions would violate Laughlin's probation since he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol earlier in the year, according to the affidavit filed in Fifth District court.

Laughlin was arrested for DUI Sept. 12 shortly after the 1 a.m. accident, after the wreck's lone survivor, Jessica Duran, identified Laughlin as the driver of the vehicle that chased the Coeur d'Alene teenagers.

Laughlin and at least three friends chased the teenagers after they left a party at Laughlin's house near Clover Road, where the accident occurred, according to the reckless driving charge. An argument had preceded the teenagers leaving the party.

Twin Falls Prosecutor Grant Loebs said the prosecutor's office is still waiting for a response on the warrant, but could not elaborate.

"I'm sure that Mr. Roark will have his client in," Loebs said. "(Laughlin) won't be difficult to find."

Laughlin's listed attorney for the reckless driving charge, R. Keith Roark, did not return messages from The Press.

Laughlin also faces a separate misdemeanor minor consumption of alcohol charge from the alleged April 24 violation. His attorney for that case, Stacey Gosnell-Taylor, also did not return a message.

According to the incident report, Laughlin, a passenger in a vehicle, was cited following a traffic stop after the deputy noticed the smell of alcohol on Laughlin's breath.

Families of the deceased teenagers have said they've been frustrated by the investigation following the accident, and would prefer a stronger charge, but Loebs said the evidence supports the reckless driving allegation.