High-speed chase suspect returned to jail

A Kalispell woman who was arrested for allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase in July is back behind bars after law enforcement officials caught up with her recently.

Ashley Jean Morse, 31, faced one felony count of criminal endangerment after she allegedly led police on a high-speed chase July 3. When Morse failed to show up for her arraignment Aug. 2, a warrant for her arrest was issued.

She was placed in the Flathead County Jail Nov. 18 on a felony bail-jumping charge. She faces a 10-year prison term on that, as well as the possibility of 10 years on the felony criminal endangerment charge. Her arraignment on both charges is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, at about 12:35 a.m., Tuesday, July 3, a Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to stop a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am driven by Morse on South Woodland Drive. A report in the county 911 dispatch log indicated the Grand Am nearly hit the deputy’s patrol vehicle before the stop was attempted.

Documents state that Morse didn’t stop and led the deputy on a high-speed chase. Additional law enforcement officers attempted to stop Morse by positioning their vehicles at the intersection of North Meridian Road and West Idaho Street, but she managed to drive between the vehicles, the report stated.

The chase ended shortly after on North Meridian when a law enforcement officer rammed the Grand Am with a patrol car, according to the affidavit.

Call log information indicated Morse drove as fast as 90 miles per hour in the chase that lasted about 7 minutes.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 406-758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.