Man denies string of charges

A 26-year-old Kalispell man apprehended by an Evergreen couple after fleeing from law officers pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to a string of charges.

Jordan Elliott is charged with felony counts of theft, criminal endangerment, assault with a weapon, assault on a peace officer and criminal mischief as well as misdemeanor fleeing from or eluding a police officer.

According to a court document, Elliott led police on a high-speed chase in which he exceeded 100 miles per hour, swerving in and out of lanes, running a red light and driving in the wrong lane before eventually striking the cruiser of a Flathead County deputy attempting to pull in front of him.

He then reportedly fled on foot, eventually ending up in the yard of Michael Stephens and Amy Luis, who were able to subdue him at gunpoint.

The deputy was treated for lower back and right elbow pain caused by the crash.

The new charges could lead to a sentence of between two and 61 years in jail as well as a fine of up to $252,00 if Elliott is convicted.

Separate from the new charges, Elliott entered general denials to allegations that he violated his probation for two prior convictions.

Elliott was serving a four-year suspended sentence on a 2009 felony conviction for criminal possession of dangerous drugs and a five-year suspended sentence on a 2011 conviction on charges of felony drug possession and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Elliott’s next hearing in the most recent case is March 6, while hearings on the alleged probation violations are March 28.