Man from Coeur d'Alene sentenced to 15 years in prison after aggressive driving

COEUR D'ALENE – A Coeur d'Alene man was sentenced to 15 years in prison May 27 for a traffic incident that prosecutors described as road rage.

Taner James Bradley, 27, was convicted on September 18 of aggravated assault, battery and driving while under the influence of alcohol.

The incident began when the victim, who was traveling with three minor children, stopped at a red light. After hearing glass shatter, the victim looked in his rearview mirror and saw Bradley violently punching the windshield of his own car, court records show.

When the light turned green, the victim continued to drive through the intersection, but Bradley pursued him and struck his vehicle several times, prosecutors said. The victim tried to get away from Bradley, but Bradley struck his vehicle several more times. At one point, they were traveling at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, prosecutors said.

After the victim reached his destination, Bradley confronted him in a manner described as violent. A bystander intervened, but Bradley responded aggressively and struck the person. The victim intervened, striking Bradley several times before wrestling him to the ground and holding him there until officers arrived, prosecutors said.

After his arrest, Bradley displayed erratic behavior, allegedly cursing at police and showing signs of intoxication, prosecutors said. He was later examined at a local hospital, where he allegedly admitted to recent alcohol and methamphetamine use. Breath tests showed blood alcohol levels of .231 and .229, respectively, nearly three times the legal limit.

In sentencing, Assistant Attorney General Art Verharen recommended the maximum sentence of 15 years, citing Bradley's extensive criminal history, which includes previous convictions for assaulting police officers, resisting arrest and drug possession.

District Judge Barry McHugh ultimately sentenced him to 15 years in prison for aggravated assault, with the possibility of parole after five years, and he was given credit for time already served on the other charges of assault and excessive alcohol consumption.