Police arrest woman accused of car thefts

A Kalispell woman suspected of stealing three different vehicles over the last few days is now in custody after leading authorities on a pursuit through the Kalispell area.

According to a press release from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, 18-year-old Montana Kelly was spotted Wednesday night by a Whitefish police officer driving one of the allegedly stolen vehicles down Browns Road and then north on U.S. 93 at a high rate of speed.

Deputies pursued Kelly as she fled down the highway and then into the woods off Tamarack Meadows Road.

The vehicle reportedly crashed and the driver fled on foot and hid in the woods, where officers later located and arrested her after an hour-long search.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Whitefish Police Department, the Montana Highway Patrol and Two Bear Air.

Authorities have located all three allegedly stolen vehicles and numerous other items believed to have been stolen as well.

It is believed that there are dozens of victims of thefts from vehicles, and anyone who experienced a vehicle theft is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.

The incident is currently under investigation and no charges have yet been filed.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.