Heavy Runner pleads guilty to endangerment
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POLSON — A Pablo man accused in a hit and run crash-pursuit while intoxicated, with five prior convictions for DUI, has admitted to the allegations. Curtis James Heavy Runner, 40, entered a plea of guilty at District Court in Polson on April 28 to felony criminal endangerment and felony DUI, sixth lifetime.
According to court records, on May 30, 2021, a motorist reported to Lake County dispatch that a yellow Dodge Ram pick-up appeared to intentionally ram into his vehicle and take off. A Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy spotted the suspect vehicle on Hillside Road, and the yellow Dodge Ram took off. It turned onto Mollman Pass Trail reaching speeds up to 100 miles per hour while traveling to U.S. Highway 93. From there the pursuit continued southbound and ended when the Dodge stopped near the intersection of State Highway 212 and Heavy Runner was taken into custody. Records show Heavy Runner has five prior DUI convictions.
Lake County Attorney Steve Eschenbacher says he will ask that Heavy Runner be sentenced to 10 years with five suspended. Whether that’s with the Montana Department of Corrections or Montana State Prison will be up to the sentencing Judge.
Judge John Larson, who was appearing remotely, set sentencing for June 23.
