Col. Falls man pleads innocent to 3 charges

A 21-year-old Columbia Falls man pleaded not guilty to one felony and two misdemeanors Feb. 23 in Flathead District Court.

Brycen Farmer is charged with felony accountability to criminal mischief, misdemeanor accountability to theft and misdemeanor eluding a peace officer in connection with an Oct. 29, 2010 incident.

On that date, a 2004 Pontiac Vibe was located in a ditch near Blackmer Lane in Columbia Falls, according to court documents. It was traced back to a home where the owner’s mother confirmed the vehicle had been stolen on the same night as several other vehicles in the area had been broken into.

A vehicle suspected of being involved in the theft  later was found and a deputy with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office attempted to pull it over. The vehicle slowed, then turned down a driveway and accelerated before stopping. Two people jumped out of the vehicle and fled.

Evidence linking that vehicle to the theft of the Pontiac was allegedly found inside as well as three iPods, two chain saws, a GPS unit and a portable electronic game system.

Another deputy was later flagged down by a man as he was driving down Montana 35. The man matched a description of one of the two who had fled earlier. He was identified as Farmer, and allegedly told the deputy “I’m freezing and can’t run from you guys anymore.”

In an interview, Farmer denied stealing the Pontiac or any other items, but admitted he was present when the thefts occurred. He did not provide any information about the other man involved.

If convicted of all charges, Farmer faces up to 11 1/2 years in jail and a fine of up to $53,500. His next hearing is scheduled for May 9.