Police chase reckless driver across Kalispell

Police are searching for the driver of a Toyota pickup who refused to pull over for a speeding violation in Kalispell on Monday evening.

The male driver reportedly drove onto a sidewalk, crashed into a parked car and ran several stop signs before law enforcement ceased the pursuit across the city.

Montana Highway Patrol Trooper David Mills said he was prepared to issue a speeding citation to the driver for allegedly traveling 71 mph in a 35 mph zone on Willow Glen Drive. But instead of pulling over at 4:50 p.m. on Monday, the single occupant of the mid- to late-80s standard cab pickup attempted to elude police.

Mills said he followed the driver as he turned left onto Russell Drive and down a dead-end road. Mills said he was ready to stop the driver there, but it was clear the driver was refusing to comply.

“As he was coming out I tried to block his path, but it was evident he was going to drive into me, so I gave him an avenue to get past,” Mills said.

The trooper continued to pursue the pickup and reportedly witnessed the Toyota crash into a parked vehicle. The vehicle headed north before turning west onto Kelly Road, and then onto U.S. 93, Mills said.

The pickup then headed toward downtown Kalispell and turned onto 11th Street West. At this point the pickup veered onto a sidewalk to get around another vehicle, Mills said. At Eighth Avenue West the driver reportedly ran multiple stop signs.

“At that time I terminated the pursuit,” Mills said.

The trooper said the time of day, amount of traffic and severity of offense all play into whether law enforcement decides to continue a pursuit. The driver was putting people and property at significant risk, Mills said.

It is unknown why the driver decided to elude law enforcement, Mills said.

The Toyota pickup is dark blue or black, model years 1986 to 1988, with a standard cab. People with information should contact the Montana Highway Patrol at 471-6142.

Reporter Breeana Laughlin can be reached at 758-4441 or blaughlin@dailyinterlake.com.