INSIDE

Trial date set for accused driver

by Meg Olson

Jason Howard will go to trial on charges of vehicular assault after turning down an offer from prosecutors that would have given him a seven month sentence for severely injuring a local jogger.

Howard, a 27-year-old Point Roberts resident, was arrested on August 23 after the red BMW he was driving struck local resident Greg Robovsky who was running on Goodman Road in Point Roberts, sending him “flying through the air,” and inflicting considerable injury, according to documents filed with the court by the county prosecutor’s office. The trooper who arrested Howard stated he had slurred speech and smelled of intoxicants and a blood draw was performed at the scene.

A February 21 letter from county victim/witness coordinator Willie Foster informed the victim of the accident that Howard had agreed to reverse his plea of not guilty and enter a guilty plea on the charge of vehicular assault. The agreed upon sentence would be seven months in jail or jail alternative programs, through which he could continue to work at his regular job or for the county parks department, reporting to the jail when not at work.

Howard subsequently decided not to change his plea and a trial has been set for May 27.

If Howard is found guilty of a class B felony he can spend up to 10 years in jail, and pay a fine up to $25,000.

A civil suit ended February 26 with the filing of an order of dismissal with prejudice, meaning Howard cannot be pursued again for damages. Robovsky said he sought and received payment from Howard’s insurer to cover medical costs.