A man already on felony probation for threatening a police officer is facing new felony charges after he allegedly escaped from probation officers after being caught in possession of methamphetamine. 

Levi Newell Kelley, 28, has been charged in Flathead District Court with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and felony escape.

According to court documents, probation officers and sheriff’s deputies on Oct. 14 went to retrieve Kelley from a residence after receiving a tip that he was using meth, in possession of a pistol and possibly suicidal. Kelley was allegedly located in a bed, reaching for something that was later determined to be a loaded .380 pistol.

Kelley was arrested and searched. Suspected methamphetamine was allegedly found on him, along with ammunition for the gun.

Kelley was handcuffed and placed in a vehicle, but when officers returned to retrieve him, he was nowhere to be found. A search ensued and Kelley was eventually located in a neighbor’s driveway.

An arraignment date has been set for Nov. 17.

Kelley’s criminal history includes a conviction for a felony partner and family member assault that occurred in Missoula in December 2012, and a felony conviction for improper influence in police matters for an incident in November 2011. The November 2011 incident included Kelley threatening to shoot a Missoula County Sheriff’s deputy who was responding to a report of Kelley threatening relatives.

Kelley’s last know address was Flathead County Detention Center, though state records indicate that he once held an address in Seeley Lake. His bail has been set at $40,000.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.