A Columbia Falls man faces trial for felony assault after he allegedly caused a collision while driving under the influence. The wreck with a tanker on U.S. Highway 206 last April resulted in life-threatening injuries to a 9-year-old in the car with him.

Brian Scott Loucks, 36, pleaded not guilty to felony negligent vehicular assault in Flathead County District Court on March 30.

In April 2016, Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Andrew Horton responded to a crash at the intersection of Highway 206 and Kelly Road, according to court documents. Horton determined that the Dodge pickup truck was traveling eastbound on Kelly Road when it failed to yield at a stop sign. The Dodge collided with a semi-truck tanker traveling south on Highway 206, resulting in the tanker blocking the highway and severe damage to the front of the pickup.

Upon arrival, the trooper identified the driver of the pickup as Loucks, who was already out of the vehicle. But the passenger of the pickup, a boy, was injured and trapped inside the vehicle.

The child was taken to Kalispell Regional Medical Center for emergency treatment of injuries to his head, arm and spine. The boy was later airlifted to Washington for additional surgeries.

Horton said he noted an odor of marijuana coming from Loucks when they spoke and later located a container of marijuana in Loucks’ hoodie pocket. Loucks allegedly admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that day.

The driver of the tanker told the trooper that the pickup had pulled out in front of him, and there was not enough time to stop before they crashed.

According to court documents, Loucks’ blood concentration, taken after the accident, tested at 5.2 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood. In Montana, it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle with more than 5 nanograms of THC in one’s blood.

A jury trial has been set for Sept. 11 with Flathead County District Judge Heidi Ulbricht.

If convicted, Loucks faces up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Loucks was arrested March 2 by Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry on a $35,000 bond. He was released March 7 on his own recognizance, pending further court appearances.