Man in high-speed chase denies charges

A man who led police on a high-speed chase has pleaded not guilty to felony criminal endangerment and misdemeanor assault in Flathead District Court.

Marcus Angel, 30, is being held at Flathead County Detention Center on $25,000 bail.

According to court documents, the Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Del’s Bar in Somers on June 18, where Angel allegedly shoved an ice machine at a bartender, breaking the machine and nearly hitting her. The bartender reported that she “feared she was going to be hurt” when a man told Angel to leave.

Angel left the bar and drove away when a Montana Highway Patrol officer attempted to pull him over. Angel did not stop and fled from the trooper, driving through downtown Kalispell at speeds up to 55 mph in a 25 mph zone.

Angel allegedly then sped up to more than 80 mph north of Kalispell, heading toward Whitefish when officers disabled his vehicle through the use of spike strips and a pit maneuver. He was taken into custody after being forcibly removed from his vehicle.

The felony criminal endangerment charge could result in a maximum prison term of 10 years as well as a maximum fine of $50,000. Misdemeanor assault could result in a maximum six months imprisonment in the county jail and a maximum fine of $500.

Hilary Matheson is a reporter for The Daily Inter Lake. She may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.