Not guilty plea heard in DUI case, trial date set
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A Pablo man is facing his sixth driving while under the influence charge after fleeing from law enforcement this past May. Curtis James Heavy Runner, 39, entered a plea of not guilty at District Court in Polson on July 8 to felony counts of criminal endangerment and DUI fourth or subsequent.
According to court records, on May 30, a motorist reported to law enforcement that a yellow Dodge Ram pickup appeared to intentionally ram into his vehicle and take off. A Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy spotted the suspected vehicle on Hillside Road.
After the deputy attempted a traffic stop, the yellow Dodge Ram went on a high-speed chase. The Dodge driver turned onto Mollman Pass Trail, reaching speeds up to 100 mph. The driver continued to U.S. Highway 93. The pursuit went southbound and ended when the Dodge stopped near the intersection of State Highway 212.
The driver was identified as Heavy Runner, and he was taken into custody. Records show Heavy Runner has five prior DUI convictions.
Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher set a trial date for Nov. 22. Heavy Runner is at liberty with a number of conditions on his release, including alcohol monitoring.
