Papiese faces vehicular assault charges

Paul A. Papiese, 45, Colfax, pleaded not guilty in superior court Friday to two charges of vehicular assault involving an accident at one of the Highway 195 construction sites in the Rosalia area. He was scheduled for trial Nov. 13.

The investigation report alleges Papiese was intoxicated June 16 when he failed to stop the 2016 Toyota Titan pickup truck he was driving southbound in time to avoid hitting the back of a 2016 Toyota Highlander which had been stopped for a control light for alternating traffic at mile marker 66. Traffic at the time had been restricted to the northbound lane. Alleged victims were Dan and Jeanne Centenari, driver and passenger in the Highlander.

The state report alleges Papiese had a blood alcohol content reading over the .08 standard mark for being intoxicated after the accident, which happened at 8:15 p.m.