A Kalispell man has pleaded not guilty to four charges after allegedly leading police on a chase across town last month that disabled at least one patrol car and damaged many vehicles.

James Corval Sattler, 22, entered the pleas Jan. 27 in Flathead District Court to felony charges of criminal endangerment, criminal mischief and assault on a peace officer as well as misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol.

A court document states the incident began when a Kalispell police officer saw a speeding vehicle run a stop sign at the intersection of Airport Road and Merganser Drive. The officer  tried to pull the Sattler over, who instead allegedly fled.

Sattler reportedly appeared to be stopping after pulling into a driveway on South Meadows Drive, at which point the officer got out of his patrol car and ordered Sattler out of the vehicle.

The document claims Sattler instead put his vehicle into reverse and hit the gas, striking two parked cars before accelerating at the officer’s vehicle, hitting it with enough force to push it toward the officer and damage it severely.

Sattler then allegedly continued his flight, striking and severely damaging a fence on Seventh Avenue West and driving erratically at high speeds in the presence of pedestrians and other motorists. 

He reportedly was stopped when another officer struck Sattler’s vehicle with his patrol car, causing him to lose control, and other officers boxed him in.

Officers broke out Sattler’s window and pulled him out, taking him into custody.

The court document goes on to allege that Kalispell Fire Department personnel were unable to give Sattler medical attention because he was belligerent and uncooperative. He reportedly smelled of alcohol, had trouble speaking and had bloodshot eyes.

He was later transferred to an ambulance after passing out in the back of a patrol car.

Sattler also allegedly admitted he had been drinking.

If convicted of all his charges, Sattler faces between two and 30 years plus six months of incarceration as well as a fine of between $300 and $151,000.

Sattler was initially incarcerated in the Flathead County Detention Center on a bond set at $75,000, but he was later released. His next hearing is set for April 9.