High-speed chase ends in arrest

ST. IGNATIUS — Lake County was home to the conclusion of a high-velocity car chase that began in Missoula County last week, in which speeds climbed above 110 mph.

The wild ride culminated with the arrest of Chaz Blain Creemedicine, a Browning resident, when his allegedly stolen vehicle crossed over a row of “stop sticks” near Dublin Gulch Road.

The pursuit began after authorities received citizen complaints of “erratic, unsafe driving” by Creemedicine’s vehicle, according to Dan Yonkin of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD). Lake County law enforcement agencies, including the LCSD and Flathead Tribal Police, became involved once the northbound vehicle crossed over the county line near Arlee.

Yonkin reported that traffic was temporarily diverted while authorities prepared to stop Creemedicine’s car by force. However, Yonkin indicated that a non-compliant civilian vehicle also ran over the stop sticks, resulting in three flat tires.

Creemedicine is facing charges in Lake County that include criminal endangerment and motor vehicle theft.