Man accused of drinking after sixth DUI

A Kalispell man was arrested for an alleged sixth DUI last week.

He was released and then put back in jail this week after failing an alcohol test.

Earl Dean Eystad, 49, is facing counts of felony DUI and possession of dangerous drugs. He has five previous DUI convictions going back to 1992.

According to court documents, Kalispell police met Eystad on May 6 after his car was reported to be sitting at a stop sign for 20 minutes.

The officer tapped on the car window, and Eystad opened the door after “unsuccessful attempts” to roll down the window, according to the report. He got out of his car with officers’ help, leaving a blue bottle of alcohol on the passenger seat.

After his arrest, Eystad allegedly failed sobriety tests. In Eystad’s pocket, police found three pills that were later identified as Oxycodone.

Following his initial appearance, Eystad was released from jail with placement in the 24/7 program. He was to be tested regularly for alcohol use. On May 12, prosecutors requested that another arrest warrant be served for failing an alcohol test.

According to court documents, he registered low levels of alcohol in a breath test.

Police arrested Eystad again and he remains in the Flathead County Detention Center on $60,000 bail. His arraignment is set for May 21.

Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailyinterlake.com.