Kila driver denies 4th DUI charge

A Kila man has pleaded not guilty to what would be his fourth offense of driving under the influence.

David Barrett, 33, entered the plea Aug. 1 in Flathead District Court.

A court document alleges a Montana Highway Patrol trooper responded to a two-vehicle accident with a possible impaired driver on July 11, and that the trooper saw an open case of Kokanee beer in plain view in Barrett’s vehicle.

Barrett allegedly was very uncooperative and defiant, failing a field sobriety test and agreeing to take a breath-alcohol test but refusing to follow instructions.

When the trooper tried to handcuff Barrett after transporting him to the jail, Barrett allegedly refused to comply with instructions again, and it took several officers to gain control of and handcuff him.

Barrett’s prior convictions for drunken driving came in September 2001, March 2004 and March 2011.

If convicted, Barrett faces up to five years in prison and a fine of between $1,000 and $10,000.

He was originally jailed with bond set at $25,000, but was later released on his own recognizance with an alcohol monitoring bracelet.

His next hearing is set for Aug. 28.