Driver in high-speed chase charged with endangering motorists

A Ronan man is accused of endangering other motorists during a pursuit with law enforcement. Daylan James Munoz Little, 24, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court March 20 to felony criminal endangerment.

According to charging documents, law enforcement was on a routine patrol in the Pablo area Feb. 24, when they noticed a large cloud of dust kicked up by a fast-moving white Cadillac Escalade. The car was driven by Little, who was known by the officers to have a revoked or suspended driver’s license.

The officers moved in behind the Escalade as it turned onto North Reservoir Road, The Escalade reached speeds up to 100 miles per hour while traveling west in an area marked 35 miles per hour, and the pursuit was on. The chase continued west to Back Road, as the vehicle passed other motorists and forced at least one other motorist to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway.

The Escalade turned onto Back Road and traveled south for about a mile, before pulling over. Little got out and fled on foot into a field, where he was eventually caught and arrested.

Little was allegedly in possession of drug paraphernalia that he admitted was used to inhale fentanyl vapors. A preliminary breath test showed Little’s blood alcohol content at .085. He allegedly admitted that the pursuit created a risk to other motorists.

Judge Molly Owen set the case for trial Sept. 16. Little remains at liberty. If convicted, he could face a fine of up to $50,000 and a prison sentence of up to 10 years.