Man accused of abandoning his vehicle in traffic for drinks given suspended jail sentence

A man brought up on a felony charge after allegedly abandoning his vehicle in the intersection of two state highways to pop into a casino for drinks in 2024 later received a suspended jail sentence.  

Samuel Walter Rauser, 33, pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence, second offense, in Flathead County District Court on April 4, 2024. Initially charged with felony criminal endangerment, he struck a deal with prosecutors in early April 2024.  

Under the terms of the plea deal, prosecutors agreed to recommend Rauser receive a one-year sentence in the county jail with all, but five days suspended and receive credit for five days of time served. Rauser would also undergo a chemical dependency evaluation and pay fines amounting to $1,200 per the agreement.  

Judge Amy Eddy stuck to the terms of the deal during his sentencing, which occurred on the same day as his change of plea hearing. 

Authorities arrested Rauser after Montana Highway Patrol troopers found his pickup truck abandoned at the intersection of Montana 35 and Montana 206 at about 1:33 a.m., Jan. 13, 2024. The pickup was left blocking four lanes of traffic and without the use of hazard lights, court documents said.  

Troopers called Rauser after running the pickup's license plates and finding him listed as the owner. Rauser allegedly told them the truck had locked up and he had gone into a nearby casino. Investigators described Rauser's speech as slow, slurred and stuttering, according to court documents.  

They ordered him to return to the truck, but Rauser allegedly never showed up. Troopers later found him outside the casino's bar, court documents said. 

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