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Woman phones police, ends up with felony charge

DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 3 months AGO
by DERRICK PERKINS
NEWS EDITOR Derrick Perkins serves as News Editor at the Daily Inter Lake. He oversees daily news coverage and works closely with reporters to plan, edit and publish stories across print and digital platforms. Perkins helps coordinate coverage of local government, public safety, business and community developments throughout Northwest Montana. He works with the reporting staff to strengthen journalism while maintaining consistent daily coverage. His role helps ensure the newsroom delivers timely, accurate reporting that readers rely on. IMPACT: Derrick’s work keeps readers informed about the decisions and events shaping their communities every day. | May 15, 2025 12:00 AM

A woman who called the police late last month over an argument with her husband ended up with multiple charges filed against her in Flathead County District Court.  

Chelsea Ramstad, 28, of Columbia Falls faces one felony count of criminal child endangerment and a misdemeanor count of driving while license suspended or revoked following the April 27 spat outside a Columbia Falls supermarket. She is expected to appear before Judge Dan Wilson for her arraignment on May 15.  

Columbia Falls Police officers were summoned to the grocer's parking lot about 6 p.m. at the behest of Ramstad, who told dispatchers that she wanted her husband removed from the car, according to court documents. Arriving authorities found four people: Ramstad and her husband along with two children, a 9 year old and a 6 year old.  

Ramstad told the officers that the quartet went to the skate park earlier, which is where she and her husband began arguing, court documents said. The argument continued on the way to the grocery store and Ramstad wanted him to quit fighting in front of the children.  

As the officers listened, they allegedly smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage on Ramstad. She also boasted slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, and officers described her as unsteady on her feet, according to court documents.  

Under questioning, Ramstad allegedly admitted to drinking a beer. She agreed to perform a field sobriety test and provide a breath sample, which returned over the legal limit, court document said.  

Investigators later secured surveillance footage from the parking lot of the supermarket that allegedly showed Ramstad exiting the driver's seat after parking. Her husband and the two children all got out of the passenger areas, court documents said.  

Criminal child endangerment is punishable by up to 10 years in Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine. 

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or [email protected].


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