Ronan woman accused of drunk driving, injuring officer

A Ronan woman is accused of driving drunk and injuring a law enforcement officer. Danielle Madlyn Appleton, 41, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson Jan. 8 to felony charges of DUI, fourth or subsequent, and assault on a peace or judicial officer.

According to court records, on Dec. 24, a Ronan Police officer responded to a report of a man and woman shoving each other near U.S. Highway 93 and 3rd Ave. NW. As the officer arrived at the scene, he observed a silver Volkswagen traveling down the walking path adjacent to the highway, then entering 3rd Ave NW.

The officer made a traffic stop on the car and found Appleton behind the wheel. He describes her as showing signs of impairment, using profanity, being combative, and seeming confused. She said she was unaware of anyone involved in a shoving match and denied consuming alcohol.

The woman initially refused to exit the VW and refused a preliminary breath test. When asked to produce her driver’s license, she gave the officer her debit card. She also started the engine of the VW which prompted the officer to reach in to turn the ignition off. That’s when Appleton rolled up the window. Another officer arrived on scene to assist taking Appleton into custody.

She allegedly kicked one of the officers during her arrest. The officers had to obtain a search warrant for a blood draw, the results of which are pending. Records show Appleton with three prior convictions for DUI.

Judge Molly Owen set the case for trial on July 14. Appleton remains at liberty.