Woman accused of fifth DUI offense

A 45-year-old woman pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to what would be her fifth offense of driving under the influence as well as fleeing from police and resisting arrest.

Rebecca Malek is alleged to have been intoxicated, acting strangely and being verbally aggressive while pulled off to the side of Holt Stage Road. An animal control officer who responded to the scene tried to keep Malek there and out of her vehicle.

According to a court document, Malek refused, got in her car and drove away quickly.

A responding deputy tried to pull Malek over, but she allegedly did not stop, waving at him as she drove by. She then allegedly drove down a driveway off Montana 35 all the way to a fence.

The court document alleges that Malek locked the doors and refused to unlock them when the deputy approached her car, and that she appeared to be in a “constant state of agitation” consistent with drug and alcohol use.

Malek allegedly kept pushing the door lock button and accidentally unlocked the doors, allowing the deputy to open one. She was ordered to exit the vehicle, but allegedly refused, leaning back into the car and hanging on to the steering wheel.

Malek was dragged from the car, held down and handcuffed.

The deputy reported seeing an empty bottle of beer on the floor of the car.

Malek allegedly kept saying she wasn’t on drugs, but wouldn’t answer when asked how much she had to drink. The deputy reported that Malek slurred when she spoke and remained agitated.

Malek’s prior convictions for drunk driving came in November 1999, September 2007, October 2010 and December 2010.

If convicted on all charges, Malek faces up to two years and seven months in jail, a consecutive five-year suspended sentence and a fine of between $1,000 and $12,500.

Her next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 31.