Elusive suspect challenges two charges

A Kalispell man charged with a pair of crimes after allegedly leading police on a pursuit before evading them for four days had pleaded not guilty.

Ryan Denny, 29, entered the pleas Tuesday in Flathead District Court to felony drug possession and misdemeanor criminal mischief.

Denny is alleged to have tried to steal a 2011 Chevy pickup in the parking lot of the Evergreen Kmart and then been run off by an employee before fleeing in another vehicle. Denny allegedly led police on a chase through Kalispell and out of town on U.S. 2 West.

The vehicle eventually got stuck on a two-track road in a heavily wooded area off Spruce Hollow Trail and Denny allegedly got out and ran on foot, escaping from police.

A search of the vehicle allegedly turned up four methamphetamine pipes, one marijuana pipe, methamphetamine residue, and multiple pills.

Denny also allegedly led several officers on a foot chase before being apprehended in a 2011 case in which he was charged with felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor obstructing a peace officer. He later pleaded guilty to an amended charge of misdemeanor criminal mischief.

If convicted of both his new charges, Denny faces up to six months in the Flathead County Detention Center and five years in the Montana State Prison, as well as a fine of up to $51,500 and any restitution.

He is currently incarcerated in the county jail, where his bond is set at $50,000.

His next hearing is set for Dec. 4.