Suspect prefers dentist to jail
<p>Robert Stokes</p>
POLSON -- Robert Stokes was released on his own recognizance Aug. 13 after Lake County District Court Judge James A. Manley received an unopposed motion to release him.
“...defendant is in need of medical dental attention...and is not considered a flight risk by the state,” court records read.
Stokes, 31 of Elmo, was arrested the evening of May 25 after he took police on a high-speed chase that began near Pablo and spanned Lake and Sanders counties, said Lake County Undersheriff Dan Yonkin in a May press release.
During the 35-mile chase officers from the Montana Highway Patrol, Ronan police, Flathead Tribal Police, Lake and Sanders county sheriff’s departments pursued Stokes as he traveled in excess of 85 miles per hour and committed a handful of traffic violations along the way.
The chase was ended after a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy shot at Stokes’ car and deployed “stop sticks” across the highway. Stokes was being followed by a Montana Highway Patrol trooper when he finally veered off the road and ran from the scene near Oliver Gulch Road in Hot Springs, according to Yonkin.
When taken into custody, officers learned Stokes had outstanding arrest warrants. Stokes was taken into custody and charged with felony criminal endangerment, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. His bail was set at $75,000.
Stokes plead not guilty to the charges June 10 and attended his omnibus hearing Aug. 13.
His jury trial is scheduled for Oct. 6.
Stokes was listed on www.mugshot.com for a 2008 bail jumping charge.
When considering if he should allow Stokes to be released, Manley received a letter generated by Stokes that claimed he had a serious tooth issue that is “still a problem and the doctor says it needs to be pulled, but needs a court order...”
Manley ordered Stokes to stay at his place of residence, to only leave for medial needs, to attend court and to meet his attorneys.
Stokes will be allowed to stay at his home until the conclusion of his current case.