Man sentenced for fifth DUI

A 53-year-old Kalispell man was sentenced Thursday in Flathead District Court to five years in jail for his fifth conviction of driving under the influence.

Timothy Bear pleaded guilty by way of Alford to the offense, allowing him to accept conviction and take advantage of a plea deal without admitting his guilt.

He was also ordered to pay $360 in fines and fees.

According to a court document, Bear was stopped on March 26 for driving erratically while traveling 36 miles per hour in a 25 zone. The Kalispell police officer who stopped Bear reported smelling alcohol. Bear failed a field sobriety test and a breath alcohol test.

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