Man convicted of fifth DUI

A 53-year-old Kalispell man pleaded guilty by way of Alford in Flathead District Court on April 19 to his fifth offense of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Timothy Bear was stopped by a sergeant with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office on March 26, 2011. During the stop, Bear failed a field sobriety test and a breath alcohol test.

His prior convictions for driving under the influence came in August 1989, June 1990, August 1994 and September 1996.

By entering an Alford plea, Bear accepts conviction while denying his guilt in order to accept a plea agreement. His sentencing is scheduled for June 14.