Hit and run leads to theft, drug charges for Polson man

POLSON — A 39-year-old Polson man was arraigned in Lake County District Court on Thursday for stealing a motor home in South Dakota and possessing dangerous drugs when he was stopped by authorities for being involved in a hit and run accident.

David Love pleaded not guilty to charges of theft and criminal possession of dangerous drugs and will next appear in an omnibus hearing set for March 28.

According to Polson Police reports, on Dec. 23, authorities pulled over the motor home Love was driving and he initially identified himself as another man, then stated that the motor home belonged to his boss.

Eventually, police identified him as David Love and learned he had a warrant out for his arrest. There was a passenger in the motor home, who told authorities that there was drug paraphernalia in the motor home as well. After authorities searched the motor home, they found meth and drug paraphernalia.

According to the court affidavit, police also found a blank check signed by a South Dakota man. That man was contacted by police who told them he didn’t own a motor home or know Love. He said that somebody had broken into his South Dakota office, which is a camper, and stole his checkbook.

Upon further investigation, authorities determined that the motor home was stolen from a South Dakota RV dealership and the value exceeded $1,500. Love is also on probation for forgery in Missoula County.

Love faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years in jail and a $100,000 fine for the two counts.