SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint woman is facing multiple charges for allegedly driving under the influence and fleeing the scene after striking a pedestrian in mid-July.  

Tara Schubach, 45, is being charged with felony leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury, felony aggravated driving under the influence and misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence (second offense), providing false information to law enforcement, operating a vehicle without owner’s consent and failing to notify upon striking fixtures on highway.  

The maximum penalty for the combined charges amounts to 22 years in jail and/or a $15,000 fine.  

Schubach is slated for a preliminary hearing today, where the court will determine if there is enough evidence to charge her and move forward with the case. The hearing only applies to the felony charges against her.  

A probable cause affidavit indicates that law enforcement became aware of the crime by way of a 911 call, shortly after Schubach had allegedly struck a pedestrian walking on the opposite side of the road. Court records indicate that the victim suffered severe bruising and pain as a result of the alleged accident. 

Documents contend that “once Schubach learned law enforcement was being called, she fled.” 

Photographs and videos taken of Schubach by the victims were given to law enforcement and later used to identify her that evening as she was seen back at the scene of the crime but in a different vehicle.  

Police officials contend that Schubach gave a false name to law enforcement when questioned about the incident but noted that she gave her real identity after further interrogation.