First responder sentenced to 8 years for DUI crash that injured Nevada trooper

The first responder who struck a Nevada state trooper in a drunk driving crash has been sentenced to prison.

Douglas County Judge Tod Young sentenced James Arthur Coolbaugh to eight years in prison for driving under the influence and causing substantial bodily harm.

Coolbaugh, who will be eligible for parole after 30 months, was also fined $2,000.

The incident occurred on October 20, 2023, when Coolbaugh drove a pickup truck the wrong way on US Highway 395 in Carson Valley. Despite multiple 911 calls and law enforcement intervention, Coolbaugh refused to stop, leading to a near head-on collision with Trooper Ross Miller’s patrol vehicle.

Trooper Miller was airlifted to Renown Medical Center due to serious injuries. During the sentencing, Miller and his family described the ongoing, life-altering health issues he faces, which have kept him from returning to his job with the Nevada Highway Patrol.

Coolbaugh expressed remorse and presented evidence of rehabilitation efforts, including alcohol abuse counseling. He asked for a maximum sentence of five years, citing his work as a forest firefighter.

The state presented video evidence of Coolbaugh’s dangerous driving and argued against a minimum sentence, emphasizing the severity of his actions and their impact on Trooper Miller and his family. The state credited Trooper Miller’s intervention with preventing fatalities.

The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office commended the efforts of law enforcement, especially Trooper Miller, in bringing Coolbaugh to justice.