Man charged following high-speed chase near Whitefish

A high-speed pursuit near Whitefish last week reportedly hit 100 mph and ended with the suspect fleeing on foot before being subdued with a Taser.

Forrest Haven Pfenning, 34, is lodged in the Flathead County Detention Center on felony charges of criminal endangerment and misdemeanor resisting arrest. His bail is set at $51,274.

According to court documents, the chase began Dec. 15 in the Happy Valley area.

A Montana Highway Patrol trooper was notified of a person in a red Ford pickup that was possibly dealing drugs. The trooper ran the pickup’s plate and found that the tags belonged to a Mercury sedan.

When the trooper activated his emergency lights, the pickup accelerated, documents state.

According to the report, the pickup passed a storefront where children and adults were walking, ran two stop signs, fishtailed and nearly struck a vehicle. The chase continued at speeds of 80 to100 mph in a 70 mph zone, and passed through a residential area at speeds over 60 mph.

The pickup then ran another stop sign, jumped a curb and drove into a field.

The trooper used a PIT maneuver to finally end the pursuit, at which time Pfenning allegedly exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

Law enforcement officers chasing Pfenning used a Taser before arresting him. During the arrest, Pfenning allegedly told officers that his truck throttle sticks.

A search of the pickup found a substance believed to be methamphetamine, documents state. The substance was sent to the state crime lab.

The felony charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. Pfenning’s next court appearance is Jan. 20.