Suspect in road rage incident allegedly drove drunk

Prosecutors brought a Kalispell man up on multiple charges after he allegedly waved a handgun at another motorist while drunkenly traveling northbound on Montana 35 earlier this month.

Jacob Michael Krone, 27, faces one felony count of assault with a weapon and a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence, first offense, following his Jan. 6 arrest. Released from custody after securing a commercial bond, Krone pleaded not guilty before Judge Heidi Ulbricht at his Jan. 11 arraignment in Flathead County District Court. 

Deputies with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office began searching for Krone after a mother and son recounted traveling along Montana 35 when another motorist pulled a gun on them, according to court documents. 

The son told authorities that they were headed northbound about 2:10 p.m. when they came across a GMC Sierra traveling 10 mph under the speed limit. When they attempted to pass it, the Sierra sped up, forcing them to fall back behind. 

That’s when the driver of the Sierra allegedly stuck a gun out of the window and waved it around before pointing it at the pair’s vehicle. 

Armed with a photograph of the Sierra’s license plate taken by the son, authorities tracked the vehicle back to Krone, according to court documents. Deputies caught up with Krone on Trails End Drive about 2:49 p.m., court documents said. 

Ordered out of the vehicle, Krone told deputies he was armed with a 10 mm pistol, court documents alleged. While arresting him, authorities secured a black Glock pistol from a holster on his waistline, according to court documents. 

Krone denied sticking a firearm out the window during the encounter on Montana 35. He allegedly told investigators that he made an obscene gesture with his hand aimed at a motorist tailgating him. He admitted to speeding up when the other vehicle attempted to pass him, court documents said. 

During the conversation, deputies allegedly smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from him. Though Krone disavowed drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel, he also sported slow, slurred speech and watery, bloodshot eyes, court documents said.

Initially refusing to undergo field sobriety tests, Krone later agreed to provide a preliminary alcohol breath test, which returned at .117, court documents said.

If convicted of felony assault with a weapon, the more serious charge, Krone faces up to 20 years in Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine. 

An omnibus hearing in the case is scheduled for March 13 with a pretrial conference to follow on May 1.

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com.