Bigfork man accused of erratic driving enters Alford plea

A Bigfork man who allegedly posed as a firefighter while driving recklessly through Lake County in 2020 pleaded guilty to felony criminal endangerment in district court last month. 

Joshua Wayne Winfree, 34, entered an Alford plea to the charge on Jan. 30 after striking a deal with prosecutors. In an Alford plea, a defendant maintains their innocence, but acknowledges a jury likely would find them guilty. 

The plea was entered as part of an agreement that will see one count of impersonation of a public servant dismissed and recommends a two-year suspended commitment to the Montana Department of Corrections. 

The charges were based on two separate incidents, almost a year apart.

Judge Molly Owen, who is presiding over the case, is not bound to the agreement.

The criminal endangerment charge stems from a Sept. 10, 2020 incident. According to court records, Winfree drew the attention of other motorists when he allegedly traveled at speeds of up to 95 mph while tailgating others within “inches” along Montana 35 and onto U.S. 93.

The suspect’s vehicle was described by the initial reporting party as a white Chevrolet Silverado pickup, bearing the words “FIRE” on the back of it. The first reporting party was a known member of “a local fire crew” and had no knowledge of a need that would warrant this driving behavior, according to the charging documents.

The charge of impersonation of a public servant, which will be dismissed if the plea agreement is accepted, stems from another highway incident. According to court records, on Aug. 22, 2021, a woman, identified by the initials C.S., was pulled over on U.S. 93 by a man matching Winfree’s description and driving a white Chevrolet Silverado with “FIRE” on the back.

She indicated that the Silverado came upon her aggressively after she had passed it while traveling southbound between Polson and Ravalli. Allegedly, after he activated his emergency flashers on the front grill of the Silverado, Winfree made a hand gesture for her to pull over. 

After complying, C.S. said Winfree questioned her about her driving and made her apologize, according to court documents. He allegedly was wearing a holstered firearm.

C.S. told investigators she complied because he had a gun and wanted an apology. Winfree allegedly accepted the apology and told her to be more careful. He then went back to his Silverado and continued southbound, court documents said.

Owen set sentencing for March 20. Winfree remains at liberty.