Deputies arrest man after high-speed chase

A high-speed chase along U.S. 2 and through Columbia Falls ended at Trap Road southeast of Columbia Falls Sunday when Flathead County Sheriff's deputies used their vehicles to stop a Toyota Scion that had been clocked doing better than 100 mph.

The driver, Matt Plessinger, was taken into custody on pending felony charges including criminal endangerment and driving under the influence, as well as outstanding Kalispell police warrants. The sheriff’s office reported that Plessinger lives in the Flathead Valley. His age was not immediately available.

Flathead County Patrol Sgt. Bob Provo said that just before noon on Sunday deputies stopped a red Scion on Solberg Drive in Evergreen, after it had been the subject of several reckless-driving complaints from drivers on Montana 35 and Helena Flats Road.

As the deputy got out of his patrol car to approach the Scion, Plessinger drove away.

A pursuit followed to the north along U.S. 2 toward Columbia Falls, with the Scion traveling over 100 mph, Provo said. The chase continued along Talbott Road, where Provo said he slowed to 50 mph in a fruitless attempt to slow Plessinger’s car.

Deputies again caught up to him on Columbia Falls Stage Road and brought the pursuit to an end by striking the Scion on Trap Road. Three county vehicles sustained front-end damage.

Provo said Plessinger resisted during the arrest, when deputies used a Taser to subdue him before taking him to the Flathead County Detention Center. He reportedly has numerous outstanding Kalispell police warrants on his record. The Flathead County Attorney’s Office will consider any charges from Sunday’s incident.

Provo said the three county deputies' cars were helped by Montana Highway Patrol and Columbia Falls Police vehicles blocking roads.