Couple denies involvement in police chase

A Kalispell couple has denied their involvement in a high-speed chase that ended in the Flathead River in April.

Charged with criminal endangerment and theft, Dominic Lee, 44, the alleged driver of a stolen getaway car, pleaded not guilty before Flathead District Court Judge Amy Eddy on Thursday. His alleged passenger, Amanda Brandt, 34, pleaded not guilty to a single charge of theft.

According to court documents, the two were reportedly seen by the truck’s owner driving the stolen vehicle at a Columbia Falls fast-food drive-through restaurant. The owner followed the truck to Birch Grove Road, where she met a deputy who attempted to stop the stolen vehicle.

The pursuit began on Whitefish Stage Road when the driver sped off during the stop, heading south on Whitefish Stage Road at more than 80 mph.

Sheriff’s deputies and the Montana Highway Patrol pursued the vehicle through Evergreen and managed to successfully deploy spike strips, flattening one of the vehicle’s tires.

The vehicle continued, entering the Spruce Park Campground where the pursuit ended with the stolen vehicle’s front wheels dangling over the bank of the Flathead River.

Once the truck came to a stop, authorities took Brandt into custody without a fight, but Lee fled on foot and jumped into the river, swimming downstream and passing under the Montana 35 bridge. Deputies pulled Lee from the river using a rescue boat approximately a quarter mile upstream from the Old Steel Bridge.

Lee was reportedly hypothermic and unable to move once he got to the riverbank. He was transported to Kalispell Regional Medical Center for treatment before being taken into custody.

Separate trials were scheduled for Nov. 6.

If convicted, Lee and Brandt could face up to 10 years and a maximum $50,000 fine for each count.

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