Suspect who fled Kalispell Police given deferred sentence

An alleged drunk driver who led Kalispell Police officers on a chase last year that ended near the entrance of Logan Health Medical Center received a deferred sentence in Flathead County District Court in November.

After initially pleading not guilty to a felony charge of criminal endangerment and misdemeanor count of aggravated driving under the influence, first offense, Aaron Clay King, 44, took a plea deal in October. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to recommend he receive a deferred sentence on the former charge and dismiss the misdemeanor. 

Judge Robert Allison stuck to the terms of the arrangement at King’s Nov. 16 sentencing, giving him a three-year deferred sentence for criminal endangerment with credit for three days of time served. He also ordered King to pay $1,500 in court fines and fees.