Man pleads not guilty to fifth DUI charge

A 51-year-old Kalispell man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to what would be his fifth offense of driving under the influence.

Michael Bacon was also charged with misdemeanor counts of driving with a suspended or revoked license and not having required motor vehicle insurance.

According to a court document, a state trooper responded to a one-vehicle crash on U.S. 2 at mile marker 122 on Oct. 2. The trooper located the driver, who was still inside the vehicle, which could not move due to the fender being stuck in the tire.

The trooper reported Bacon smelled like alcohol, had slurred speech and was unsteady on his feet.

Bacon later failed a field sobriety text and a breath alcohol test.

His prior convictions for driving under the influence, all out of Oregon, came in March 1993, April 1993, May 1997 and August 2003. His driver’s license is also revoked in that state.

If convicted of all counts, Bacon faces  between two days and one year, seven months and 10 days in jail and a fine of between $1,000 and $10,850.

His next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 31.