Two sets of spikes needed to stop driver
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POLSON — At about 11:08 p.m. on August 3, a call to Lake County dispatch reported a hit-and-run with property damage.
A by-stander said a female allegedly backed her Cadillac into a fence at the condominium development by the entrance to Boettcher Park.
When the witness approached the driver, Tamarha Hurt, 53, Missoula, put the car in gear and drove off, according to Polson Chief of Polson Wade Nash.
A Polson officer initiated a traffic stop with Hurt near the junction of U.S. Highway 93 and Highway 35. Allegedly Hurt stopped and then pulled away, heading south on Hwy. 93.
“Speeds were relatively safe,” Nash said, “from 60 to 45 mph.”
Law enforcement set up spike strips in Pablo, coordinated by Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Law Enforcement Captain Louie Fiddler. Hurt drove through the spike strip, which punctured two of her tires.
Since Hurt was headed toward Ronan, all the law enforcement agencies involved were concerned since Pioneer Days was in full swing with a rodeo and street dances.
Hurt continued through Ronan with no incident, and official set up a second set of spike strips near the 44 Bar and Outwest Grill, north of St. Ignatius.
The spikes flattened Hurt’s remaining two tires, and she was arrested just south of the 44 Bar.
Cooperation among area law enforcement entities, such as CSKT Law Enforcement, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Polson police and Montana Highway Patrol was exemplary, Nash said.
“We have one mission — to keep everybody safe,” Nash explained.
