A request for bond reduction was denied for a Great Falls man who led law enforcement on a pursuit that occurred on U.S. Highway 93 from just north of Polson to Ronan on a busy Sunday afternoon in August.

Michael David Lee, 43, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson Sept. 3 to felony charges of criminal endangerment, assault with a weapon and criminal mischief. During a bond hearing Nov. 12, Lee’s attorney, David Carter with the State Public Defenders Office, requested his bond be reduced from the current $50,000 to $25,000.

Judge Molly Owen denied the request after prosecutor Brendan McQuillan, with the Lake County Attorney’s Office, objected, arguing that bond should be higher. McQuillan played back dash-cam video from parts of the pursuit that showed speeds reaching up to 125 miles per hour.

According to court records, on Aug. 24, law enforcement responded to a report of a stolen vehicle occupied by a suicidal male with intentions to shoot at law enforcement. Lee was allegedly spotted driving the suspected stolen vehicle, a 2004 white Chevy Silverado, on Jette Hill, and took off from them.

Officers followed him across the Armed Forces Memorial Bridge in excess of 70 MPH, before he fled south out of Polson. Speeds at this point exceeded 125 MPH as the pursuit headed south through Pablo. The Silverado allegedly struck another motorist in a 2012 Chevy Sonic before skidding out and causing damage to a Ronan business.

The Chevy Sonic appeared to be totaled. One of its occupants had to be transported to the hospital for treatment of a head laceration. Damage to the Ronan business was estimated at $45,000.

Judge Owen set the case for trial on March 2 during the Sept. 3 arraignment hearing. The jail roster shows Lee has two bonds, $50,000 for Lake County’s matter and $25,000 from another jurisdiction.

Jeff Smith is the news director for Anderson Broadcasting and also a contributor to the Lake County Leader.