Man challenges fourth DUI charge

 A 44-year-old Kalispell man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to what would be his fourth offense of driving under the influence.

According to a court document, two Montana Highway Patrol troopers were in the parking lot of an appliance store when a truck pulled in and they heard someone yelling from the truck “get the (expletive) over here and get the (expletive) in the truck.”

The driver, identified as Terry Morrissette, told the troopers he was trying to give a friend a ride home. One of the troopers reported Morrissette smelled of alcohol, and Morrissette allegedly told the trooper he had a few drinks.

Morrissette then allegedly failed field sobriety and breath alcohol tests.

His prior convictions for driving under the influence came in November 1997, January 1998 and April 2010.

If convicted, Morrissette faces between 13 months in jail and five years in prison and a fine of between $1,000 and $10,000. His next hearing is scheduled for April 10.