Kalispell Police officers turned a Spanish-speaking motorist involved in a crash over to U.S. Border Patrol on Monday after they were unable to identify the individual.

The two-car crash occurred near the intersection of East Oregon Street and Seventh Avenue East North on Monday morning. One of the motorists involved told authorities that other driver requested they “not contact law enforcement,” according to Police Chief Jordan Venezio.  

Because the other driver did not speak English, a Spanish-speaking officer arrived to translate. That driver was unable to provide identification and stated they had no means of confirming their identity, according to Venezio.  

Their vehicle was registered to an unknown man and in another state. The registration had also expired, authorities said.  

After an unsuccessful attempt to identify the driver using local records, the police contacted federal authorities. Federal agents asked the officers to detain the driver until Border Patrol arrived, according to Venezio.  

Border Patrol agents later took the driver into custody.  

The Police Department’s actions were consistent with department policy, Montana law and standard law enforcement practices, according to Venezio.  

“Kalispell Police Department has a responsibility to properly identify individuals involved in investigations, particularly when criminal or civil liability may be involved,” he said.  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 and [email protected].