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Wreck Reconstruction of Barkus Boat Crash Completed

By Beacon Staff

Prosecutors in the case against a state senator accused of piloting a boat drunk on Flathead Lake and crashing it onto a rocky outcropping, injuring all five people aboard, say they have completed their reconstruction of the accident.

State Sen. Greg Barkus, a 63-year-old Kalispell Republican, is charged with one count of criminal endangerment and two counts of negligent vehicular assault for an Aug. 27 crash that injured him and his four passengers, including U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg.

Prosecutors say Barkus’ blood alcohol content was 0.16 percent — twice the legal limit for driving — nearly two hours after the accident.

Defense attorneys are expected to conduct their own crash reconstruction by Oct. 8, unless they choose to accept the prosecution’s expert testimony. The reconstruction is not part of the public court record in the case.

Barkus’ trial is set for Nov. 29.