Woman charged with criminal endangerment

A Kalispell woman is facing a felony charge after she allegedly rear-ended a vehicle and then the woman who driving.

Susan Yvonne Portra, 73, was recently charged with criminal endangerment.

According to court documents, Portra was driving a red Lexus Sept. 6, 2019, on Surgical Services Drive when she hit a white Ford Expedition driven by the victim.

The Expedition had slowed for a speed bump. After the collision, the woman driving the Expedition got out and yelled to Portra to “back off.”

The court document indicated Portra backed up, then pulled forward while the victim was still standing in the roadway. The victim began to walk back to her Expedition when Portra allegedly struck her and the open vehicle door with the Lexus she was driving.

According to witnesses, Portra “took off.” The person who reported the incident followed Portra and she later returned to the scene.

The Kalispell Police officer who investigated the incident spoke with several witnesses who told similar stories.

The officer saw the victim’s injuries and damage to her Expedition, which was corroborated by other witnesses.

Portra was booked into jail May 24 before posting $20,000 bail May 27. She faces a maximum 10 years in prison.

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