Heavy Runner sentenced for endangerment
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POLSON — A Pablo man, formerly of Browning, was committed at District Court in Polson on Sept. 1 to the Montana Department of Corrections for a total of 10 years with five years suspended. Curtis James Heavy Runner, 40, entered a plea of guilty during an earlier court appearance to felony charges of criminal endangerment and DUI number six lifetime. The plea was entered without the benefit of a plea agreement, putting Heavy Runner at the mercy of the court to receive the maximum 15 years in prison, 10 years for criminal endangerment and five years for felony DUI.
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.
In addition to the DOC commitment, Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher ordered Heavy Runner to perform 1,000 hours of community service and pay restitution of $7,299.53 for damage to the vehicle Heavy Runner rammed with his yellow Dodge Ram.
