A man has received a probationary sentence for driving drunk and taking out a street sign, trees and another vehicle in downtown Whitefish last winter.

Caleb Edward Thomas Rodger, 23, was granted a three-year, six months deferral of imposition of sentence for one felony count of criminal endangerment and misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Rodger had pleaded guilty to the charges before Flathead District Judge David Ortley earlier this year. Rodger received credit for 38 days time served.

A deferred sentence places an individual on felony probation, but allows the defendant’s felony criminal record to be wiped clean if he or she successfully completes the term of probation. Rodger was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and $400 in public defender fees.

According to court documents, an intoxicated Rodger was found by a Whitefish Police officer in a vehicle that was seen leaving the scene of a crash in downtown Whitefish in February. Rodger provided a breath sample that was .115. The legal limit is .08.

Rodger’s vehicle had run over a street sign and trees and hit another vehicle. A witness then reported that he saw Rodger attempt to possibly flee, but instead his vehicle broke down.

The officer determined that the damaged items included a tree had been completely sheared off at its base in the crash, a sidewalk bike rack, a street sign and a Subaru Forester.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].