A man who is alleged to have led police on a high-speed chase in Somers — before apparently snorting drugs in plain sight of law officers — pleaded not guilty to charges against him Thursday.

David Markwardt, 27, of Columbia Falls is charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, two felony counts of criminal endangerment, and misdemeanor resisting arrest.

A court document alleges Markwardt was first reported refusing to leave Del’s Bar. When officers arrived, he allegedly led them on a chase, ending in a driveway where officers spotted him using drugs.

After he was transported to the Flathead County Detention Center, Markwardt allegedly slipped his handcuffs to the front of his body and resisted again, having to be held against the ground and re-cuffed. He also is alleged to have been in possession of methamphetamine.

Markwardt’s criminal history includes, most recently, an arrest in January for disorderly conduct, obstructing justice and resisting arrest. He posted a $10,000 bond Feb. 16 to stay out of jail after a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

In 2010, Markwardt was charged with felony burglary and misdemeanor partner or family member assault, resisting arrest, and assault. He eventually pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charges while the burglary charge was dismissed. For the conviction, Markwardt was given a two-year suspended sentence that would have lasted until Aug. 10 this year.

A petition to revoke his sentence in that case was filed earlier this year, and a hearing scheduled for just a few hours after he was again incarcerated Thursday was continued. It is now slated for April 11.

Markwardt also was charged with felony assault with a weapon in 2008, but entered into a deferred prosecution agreement.

If convicted of his new charges, Markwardt faces up to six months in county jail, between two and 25 years in prison, and a fine of up to $150,500. His next hearing in the new case is set for June 12.