Motorist allegedly admitted to drinking before Tally Lake Road crash

A motorist accused of drunkenly wrecking a pickup truck in a ditch on Tally Lake Road last month was driving with his girlfriend and 1-year-old child in the vehicle, prosecutors allege.  

Kacey Allen Cosman, 28, is facing a felony count of criminal child endangerment in Flathead County District Court following the crash about 4:31 p.m., May 23. He pleaded not guilty before Judge Amy Eddy on May 28.  

Cosman admitted drinking before getting behind the wheel, telling Montana Highway Patrol troopers dispatched to the scene that he was an alcoholic, according to court documents. The troopers reported smelling "the strong odor" of an alcoholic beverage emanating from Cosman, court documents said.  

Cosman agreed to undergo a preliminary breath test, which allegedly returned at 0.137. He also acquiesced to a blood draw, the results of which were sent to the Montana State Crime Lab, court documents said.  

Both Cosman's girlfriend and child escaped injury in the crash.   

Cosman is expected back in court on Sept. 22 for a pretrial conference. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years behind bars and a $50,000 fine. 

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 406-758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.