Wild ride results in two charges

KALISPELL — A Polson man who allegedly crashed his car into several objects and nearly another vehicle before hitting a road sign has pleaded not guilty to a pair of charges.

Earlier this month Kenneth Flamand, 29, entered the pleas in Flathead District Court to felony  criminal endangerment and misdemeanor driving under the influence.

According to a court document, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper responded to a report of a reckless driver at McDonald’s in Kalispell banging on the drive-through window. When the trooper arrived, the vehicle — later determined to be driven by Flamand — was still in the drive-through.

The document alleges Flamand, who appeared to be intoxicated, refused to turn off his vehicle, instead driving toward U.S. 2 and Meridian, driving through stop signs.

Flamand allegedly crashed into the roundabout curb on U.S. 93 Alternate Route, then headed north on the bypass at speeds reaching 80 miles per hour.

He is alleged to have nearly hit another vehicle before running a red light at the intersection of U.S. 2,  finally stopping when he crashed into a road sign.

 Flamand was taken into custody. Flamand allegedly refused to provide a blood sample or perform any field sobriety tests.

The court document says Flamand has prior convictions for drunk driving from July 2002 and October 2005.

If convicted of both charges, Flamand faces between 30 days in jail and 11 years in prison and a fine of between $1,000 and $55,000.

Flamand is currently released under the requirement that he wear a remote alcohol-monitoring bracelet. His next hearing is March 5.