A Columbia Falls man has pleaded guilty to half of his charges after leading police on a high-speed chase in Somers four months ago.

David Markwardt, 28, pleaded guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to felony counts of possession of dangerous drugs and criminal endangerment. An additional felony criminal endangerment charge and a charge of misdemeanor resisting arrest were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Markwardt admitted possessing methamphetamine as well as running a stop light, almost causing an accident and failing to stop for an officer during the March 6 incident.

A court document alleged Markwardt eventually pulled into a private driveway, where he was seen snorting drugs off the dashboard of his vehicle, before he put the vehicle in gear and rolled backward, crashing into a parked patrol car.

His plea agreement in the case also included the dismissal of a petition to revoke his two-year suspended sentence in a 2010 case in which he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor partner or family member assault, resisting arrest, and assault. A felony burglary charge in that case was dismissed.

Markwardt was released on his own recognizance after Thursday’s hearing with the requirement that he be placed on a drug patch program. The patches, which must be worn constantly, can show if the wearer has used drugs and are checked regularly. If he tests positive, his plea agreement will be voided.

He must also enroll in an intensive outpatient drug treatment program.

A sentencing hearing is set for Sept. 26.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at jdavis@dailyinterlake.com.