A man is charged with a seventh instance of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs after allegedly being involved in a hit-and-run accident in Martin City.

David Jay Schaeffer, 67, was charged with one felony count of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs after the incident on Oct. 21.

According to court documents, a Forest Service officer was able to track down the vehicle that allegedly fled the scene of a reported hit-and-run accident. Schaeffer was found to be the alleged driver of the vehicle, which had extensive front-end damage.

The investigating officer noted that Schaeffer allegedly smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. A half-empty bottle of liquor was found between two seats of the vehicle. Schaeffer allegedly admitted to being in a crash, but said the other driver had agreed to pay for the damages.

Schaeffer was allegedly so intoxicated that he could not perform field sobriety tests. He refused to provide a breath sample.

Officers obtained a warrant, took Schaeffer to the hospital and secured a blood sample, which was sent to Montana State Crime Lab for analysis.

Schaeffer has six prior DUI convictions from March 1988, October 1998, July 1999, September 1999, May 2007 and May 2009. In addition to the DUI convictions, Schaeffer has two felony convictions from 1991 in Powell County for criminal possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute and criminal possession of dangerous drugs.

His bail has been set at $60,000. He is set to be arraigned on Nov. 9.

If convicted, Schaeffer could face up to a 5-year commitment with the Montana Department of Corrections and a $10,000 fine.

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