Man arrested for attacking deputies at Kalispell fast food joint enters guilty plea
David Michael Miller. (Photo courtesy the Flathead County Sheriff's Office)
A Kalispell man who allegedly attacked fast food employees and deputies in June pleaded guilty to a single count of felony criminal endangerment in Flathead County District Court last month.
Prosecutors initially charged David Michael Miller, 37, with felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor resisting arrest following his June 30 arrest outside of a U.S. 2 fast food restaurant in Kalispell. They later added a count of felony assault on a peace officer.
Miller pleaded not guilty to all three at his Aug. 3 arraignment before Judge Robert Allison, but took a deal in February. In exchange for a guilty plea to an amended charge of criminal endangerment, prosecutors agreed to drop the other counts, recommend he receive a deferred three-year sentence with the state Department of Public Health and Human Services, and pay restitution.
Miller entered a guilty plea on Feb. 6. Allison set sentencing for April 11.
Miller’s arrest came after entering a fast food joint through a side door propped open for deliveries, court documents said. He allegedly began screaming at workers while throwing items around inside the restaurant.
When Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived about 4:43 a.m., they found Miller trying to ram an object into the side door, according to court documents. Miller, described as sweaty, shoeless and shirtless, appeared rambling and unfocused, court documents said.
Miller allegedly repeatedly asked deputies to shoot him.
Instead of complying with directions, Miller charged at a deputy, who fended him off until backup arrived, court documents said. He later allegedly threw traffic cones and rocks at law enforcement personnel before fleeing on foot and climbing a tree to try and unsuccessfully evade arrest.
Deputies suspected Miller was high at the time, according to court documents.
Authorities later learned that the damage to the side door of the fast food restaurant resulted in about $5,000 in repair work.
News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com.