Man accused of fifth DUI

A Kalispell man pleaded not guilty Friday to a fifth charge of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Scott Kelly Walsh, 55, has prior DUI convictions from 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2014. He is also serving a five-year suspended sentence for felony intimidation.

According to court documents, Walsh was stopped as he pulled into the parking lot of a business along U.S. 2 on Aug. 24. A Montana Highway Patrol trooper noticed Walsh was not wearing a seat belt.

The trooper ran the vehicle’s license plates and found out the vehicle’s owner had a suspended driver’s license.

The trooper noticed the vehicle reeked of alcohol and Walsh’s speech was slurred. Walsh refused to leave his vehicle when the trooper asked him to. Once Walsh eventually exited the vehicle, the trooper found an open can of alcohol.

Walsh refused to provide a blood sample, so the trooper applied for a warrant and Walsh was transported to the hospital where blood was drawn.

Walsh remains in the Flathead County Detention Center.

Reporter Megan Strickland may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.