Kalispell woman denies carjacking spree

A Kalispell woman denied seven different charges after allegedly stealing multiple vehicles and taking various items from others before she was caught at the end of a police chase.

Montana Kelly, 18, pleaded not guilty to three counts of theft, one count of drug possession, one count of assault with a weapon, one count of criminal endangerment and one count of criminal mischief and entered a general denial for a petition to revoke her previously suspended sentence.

According to court documents, between April 27 and May 4 of this year, Kelly participated in the theft of at least three vehicles, three wallets, various firearms, and several other personal items from across Flathead County.

Two of the car thefts allegedly resulted in a police chase, the first of which Kelly managed to escape but reportedly dropped her purse containing her ID.

After allegedly taking a third car, Whitefish police officers attempted to stop Kelly after identifying her as the alleged driver of a reportedly stolen car.

Kelly allegedly refused to stop and sped down U.S. 93 at approximately 100 mph, at times driving in the wrong lane into oncoming traffic.

After turning onto Garland Lane, Kelly allegedly crashed through two sets of metal gates, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage to the car and the gates.

In an interview with officers, Kelly allegedly admitted to stealing the cars, various items and possessing illegal drugs. Kelly also said she had been using meth, heroin and LSD during the week before the alleged thefts started.

Kelly was scheduled to begin a jury trial on Oct. 10 with a revocation hearing scheduled for June 22.

If convicted, Kelly could face between 10 and 20 years in prison for each count.

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