A Kalispell man accused of leading law officers on a slow-speed chase before ramming a sheriff’s car has denied the charges against him.

John Nielsen Jr., 19, is charged with felony counts of assault on a peace officer, criminal endangerment and theft. He pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court.

According to a court document, Kalispell officers responded to the west side of town on May 16 around midnight after receiving a report of a hit-and-run accident. They located the suspect vehicle — whose driver later was identified as Nielsen — and attempted to perform a traffic stop.

The document alleges Nielsen ignored police and continued driving until officers pulled in front of Nielsen, forcing him to stop. When an officer got out of his cruiser and approached Nielsen’s vehicle, Nielsen allegedly put his car in reverse and hit the gas, nearly hitting the officer, who had to dive out of the way.

A Flathead County deputy then arrived on the scene, pulling in behind Nielsen to box him in, at which point Nielsen allegedly put his car in reverse again, this time ramming the deputy’s vehicle.

Officers then surrounded the car, but reportedly had to remove Nielsen by force, breaking out a window so they could turn off the engine and pull Nielsen out.

The car Nielsen was driving had been stolen.

Nielsen also allegedly admitted having been drinking since 11 a.m. that day.

If convicted of all his charges, Nielsen faces between two years in jail and 30 years in prison as well as a fine of up to $150,000, as well as any restitution.

He is currently incarcerated in the Flathead County Detention Center, where his bond is set at $50,000. His next hearing is set for July 17.

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