Chase ends in Flathead Lake

POLSON — At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Monday night, a traffic stop on Main Street in Polson escalated into an amphibious chase that concluded in the frigid waters of Flathead Lake.

The driver, later identified as 45-year-old Todd Burland of Polson, fled the scene and turned right onto Hwy. 93, with Polson police cruisers in pursuit. Burland eventually turned into Boettcher Park, where he was followed by Polson and Tribal police units.

Burland proceeded to drive through the park, crashing his vehicle in the lake.

Police reports indicated that speeds in the chase did not exceed 45 mph.

Police reports state that “attempts by officers to get the driver to get out of the lake were unsuccessful,” as Burland tried to elude capture by swimming farther away from shore.

The Polson Fire Dept. rescue boat was called to the scene, and officials wearing water rescue suits joined the chase.

Despite calling in  specialists, it was Officer T.J. Haynes of Tribal Law and Order who eventually caught Burland about 200 yards from shore.

Burland was taken to St. Joseph Hospital before being arrested and sent to the Lake County Detention Facility, where police reports state, “he was booked for Probation Violation and Felony DUI, 9th offense.  Other misdemeanor and felony charges may be filed at a later date.”POLSON — At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Monday night, a traffic stop on Main Street in Polson escalated into an amphibious chase that concluded in the frigid waters of Flathead Lake.

The driver, later identified as 45-year-old Todd Burland of Polson, fled the scene and turned right onto Hwy. 93, with Polson police cruisers in pursuit. Burland eventually turned into Boettcher Park, where he was followed by Police and Tribal police units.

Burland proceeded to drive through the park, crashing his vehicle in the lake.

Police reports indicated that speeds in the chase did not exceed 45 mph.

Police reports state that “attempts by officers to get the driver to get out of the lake were unsuccessful,” as Burland tried to elude capture by swimming farther away from shore.

The Polson Fire Dept. rescue boat was called to the scene, and officials wearing water rescue suits joined the chase.

Despite calling in  specialists, it was Officer T.J. Haynes of Tribal Law and Order who eventually caught Burland about 200 yards from shore.

Burland was taken to St. Joseph Hospital before being arrested and sent to the Lake County Detention Facility, where police reports state, “he was booked for Probation Violation and Felony DUI, 9th offense.  Other misdemeanor and felony charges may be filed at a later date.”