Man contests 4th DUI charge since 1989

A 53-year-old Columbia Falls man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to what would be his fourth offense of driving under the influence.

According to a court document, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper responded to a private Plum Creek property in the evening on Jan. 1 for a driver, later identified as Terry Seliger, who had entered the property.

The trooper reported Seliger smelled of alcohol, slurred his speech and had bloodshot eyes. Seliger allegedly admitted drinking and said the trooper could “give me a DUI now.”

He reportedly failed field sobriety tests and breath alcohol tests both at the scene and at the Flathead County Detention Center.

Seliger’s prior convictions for drunk driving came in November 1989, February 1991, and May 1994.

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