Black accused of car chase, drug possession

A Pablo man is accused of leading law enforcement on a pursuit on the back roads of central Lake County that put fear into one of his passengers.

Leroy Dennis Black III, 32, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court Oct. 25 to two counts of criminal endangerment and criminal possession of dangerous drugs, felonies that carry a combined maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.

According to court records, on Jan. 18, a law enforcement officer observed Black exit the parking lot of a convenience store in Ronan. The officer recognized Black, knew he was wanted on an outstanding warrant and attempted to make a traffic stop on his vehicle.

Instead, Black took off on back roads at speeds over the posted limit, turning onto Mollman Pass Road south of Ronan, then onto Canal Bank Road before stopping on a private driveway. Black and one other occupant of the vehicle fled on foot, while a third occupant stayed with the vehicle. That person said he feared for his life as Black almost hit another motorist head-on during the pursuit.

When Black was apprehended, he allegedly was in possession of drug paraphernalia and a partially melted blue pill consistent with fentanyl.

Judge Molly Owen set the case for trial on April 1. Black remains in the Lake County Jail with bond set at $25,000.