A Kalispell man who led local law enforcement on a low-speed chase in a stolen car, drove through a fence and nearly hit a police officer before ramming a deputy’s car, has been given a suspended sentence.

John Nielsen, 20, previously pleaded guilty to felony counts of criminal endangerment and theft as well as misdemeanor drunk driving. Another felony charge of assault on a peace officer was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Nielsen had been drinking since about 11 a.m. on May 16, 2013, before stealing a car shortly before midnight and driving through a fence and yard. He eventually was spotted by Kalispell police on Second Avenue West after they responded to a report of a hit-and-run accident.

Officers tried to stop Nielsen, but he disregarded their attempts and kept driving until officers were able to get in front of him and force him to stop. When one of the officers got out of his car to approach, Nielsen put the vehicle in reverse and hit the gas, at which point the officer dove behind a light pole to avoid being run over.

A Flathead County deputy then arrived at the scene and boxed in Nielsen with his own car. Nielsen then rammed the deputy’s car. Officers surrounded Nielsen’s car and broke the window to stop the engine before dragging him from the vehicle.

Nielsen addressed the court prior to being sentenced, saying that since the incident he has become more religious and decided what he wants to do with his life — get a job and get his license back.

Referring to his crimes, Nielsen said “I’m not much of a drinker or much of a driver, just drank more than I had before. I’m not much of a thief.”

Upon questioning by Deputy County Attorney Stacy Boman, Nielsen said he started drinking at the age of 16, drinking until drunk roughly twice per month. Although he said it didn’t take much to get him drunk, he described the amount necessary as “10 shots and a couple beers.”

Attorney Lane Bennett called Nielsen “the perfect candidate for a deferred sentence” due to the fact that Nielsen had no prior criminal history, and requested the sentence only last six years.

District Judge Ted Lympus chose instead to follow Boman’s recommendation of a total of 10 years to the Montana Department of Corrections, all suspended. He also ordered Nielsen to pay a $1,000 fine and nearly $3,750 in restitution.

Nielsen must also take part in any type of monitoring his probation officer deems necessary.