Kalispell man denies charges resulting from police chase

The Kalispell man arrested after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase through Kalispell denied all charges on March 30.

Ernest Alan Pattee, 32, pleaded not guilty to felony criminal endangerment and possession of dangerous drugs before Flathead District Court Judge Heidi Ulbricht.

On the morning of March 19, Kalispell Police officers located a pickup that was reported stolen out of Idaho in the Hutton Ranch Plaza parking lot with two people sleeping inside.

The female passenger exited the vehicle as requested by police, but the driver, identified as Pattee, allegedly refused to comply.

According to police reports, Pattee sped out of the parking lot, heading down U.S. 93 at 90 mph. Pattee took the Three Mile Drive exit and abandoned the vehicle at Vonderheide Lane.

Flathead County Sheriff’s SWAT team and deputies, and a Two Bear Air helicopter were dispatched to assist in the pursuit.

Pattee was found in a creek following a two-hour search. He was arrested and treated for hypothermia.

Upon investigation, authorities allegedly discovered that an eyeglass case containing paraphernalia and meth residue had fallen out of the vehicle before Pattee allegedly fled.

A hearing is set for May 18 to determine if new charges warrant the revocation of a previous sentence on drug-related charges, and a jury trial was set for Sept. 11.

If convicted, Pattee could face up to 15 years in prison and up to a $100,000 fine for the two combined charges.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.