Driver admits DUI causing wrong-way collision with NHP trooper

It will be nearly a year after a Nevada State Police trooper drove his car into the path of a wrong-way driver that the defendant will be sentenced.

James Arthur Coolbaugh, 20, faces a mandatory prison sentence of 2-20 years after he admitted Tuesday to driving under the influence and causing substantial bodily harm.

Trooper Ross Miller drove his patrol vehicle into the path of Coolbaugh’s pickup 11 p.m. Oct. 20, 2023, to stop him from continuing north in the southbound lanes of Highway 395.

Miller, who received injuries to his knees shoulder, back and arm in the effort, was praised for his bravery in preventing Coolbaugh from colliding with someone else.

Under the plea agreement announced on Tuesday, prosecutors will recommend Coolbaugh’s prison term be capped at eight years when he is sentenced on Oct. 8.

Coolbaugh is free on $46,650 bail under Department of Alternative Sentencing supervision. He was ordered to wear a device that determines if he has been drinking alcohol.

According to reports filed in support of the arrest, one trooper said he saw a black pickup northbound on Highway 395 that passed him at an estimated 90 mph.