Suspect in weekend chase brought up on criminal endangerment charge

Prosecutors have charged the 34-year-old suspect arrested after allegedly leading deputies on a chase through Evergreen over the weekend with one felony count of criminal endangerment.  

Derek Bruce Bigman of Kalispell is expected to appear before Judge Amy Eddy in Flathead County District Court on July 11 for his arraignment. He remains in county jail with bail set at $50,000.  

Bigman allegedly drew the attention of law enforcement while driving east on U.S. 2 about 11:20 p.m. with no headlights or taillights. When a passing Flathead County Sheriff's Office deputy attempted a traffic stop on Bigman's Chevrolet Blazer, the 34-year-old traversed a sidewalk and drove into a nearby apartment complex, court documents said.  

After turning back onto U.S. 2, Bigman allegedly sped through residential neighborhoods, ignored stop signs and traffic signals, and swerved into the wrong lane of traffic several times, according to court documents. A second deputy reported seeing Bigman allegedly narrowly avoid collisions with other motorists.  

Deputies employed what is known as a precision immobilization maneuver near the intersection of South Woodland Drive and Kelly Road, court documents said. The technique is designed to make a fleeing motorist turn sideways and lose control of their vehicle. 

Bigman's Blazer flipped after the maneuver and crashed into a vehicle on Kelly Road, court documents said.  

Bigman allegedly exited the Blazer and started walking toward the front door of a nearby home. Deputies deployed a Taser on Bigman after he ignored their orders, court documents said.  

Criminal endangerment is punishable by up to 10 years in Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine. 

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