Pole encounter leads to man's fifth DUI

A Kalispell man who drove into a utility pole while drunk has admitted his fifth offense of driving under the influence.

Michael Bacon, 41, pleaded guilty April 18 in Flathead District Court. Misdemeanor charges of driving with a suspended license and not having insurance were dropped.

On Oct. 12, 2012, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper was called to the scene of the accident where Bacon struck the pole on U.S. 2. Bacon was found in his vehicle — which could not move because a fender was lodged in a tire — 200 yards away.

The trooper noted Bacon smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes and was unsteady on his feet. Bacon later failed field sobriety tests and a breath alcohol test at the Flathead County Detention Center.

His prior convictions for drunk driving came in March 1993, April 1993, May 1997, and August 2003.

Bacon faces up to five years in prison and a fine of between $1,000 and $10,000 when he is sentenced on June 13.