Saturday, September 12, 2026
53.0°F

Motorist accused of driving under the influence with children in the vehicle

DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 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. | October 11, 2025 12:00 AM

A motorist allegedly caught swerving all over the road on a dash cam video earlier this month is now facing a felony criminal child endangerment charge in Flathead County District Court.  

Montana Highway Patrol troopers began searching for Enrique Renteria Martinez, 34, after a fellow motorist outfitted with a dash camera reported him allegedly driving recklessly while traveling eastbound on U.S. 2 about 3:18 p.m., Oct. 1. The silver GMC Acadia with Kansas plates Martinez was allegedly driving at the time had steered into the wrong lane of traffic and nearly struck several other vehicles. 

Authorities received a second call regarding Martinez from an Izaak Walton Inn employee not long after. The employee told dispatchers that Martinez had arrived with two children and was slurring, stumbling and dropping his belongings, according to court documents. He also allegedly fell asleep at a table.  


Troopers arriving at the historic landmark also reported Martinez as slurring his words and described him as appearing lethargic. He allegedly told them he had picked up his two girls, ages 4 and 8, and was taking them back to Kansas. Asked for his identification, Martinez handed the troopers his Visa card, court documents said.  

"Good question," he later allegedly replied when the troopers asked him to point out his vehicle.  

After spotting a white powder on Martinez's nostril, troopers began a standardized field sobriety test and subsequently arrested him, court documents said.  

Prior to undergoing the test, Martinez allegedly said he used Adderall and had a prescription for Xanax. A nasal-style bottle fell from his pants during the test and a sample of the liquid inside was later sent to the Montana State Crime Lab for testing, court documents said.  

Martinez also agreed to give investigators a blood sample, according to court documents. 

Martinez is expected to appear before Judge Amy Eddy on Oct. 28 for his arraignment. Initially held on $50,000 bail, he was released Oct. 6 on his own recognizance.  

If convicted of criminal child endangerment, Martinez faces 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]



ARTICLES BY DERRICK PERKINS

September 11, 2026 8:20 a.m.

Columbia Falls therapist faces child pornography, other charges

A Flathead Valley therapist is facing multiple felonies, including 15 counts of sexual abuse of children, after authorities allegedly found child porn, drugs and bomb components during a Sept. 2 raid of his Columbia Falls home.

Man fired upon by Kalispell Police officers allegedly hurled cans, rocks during confrontation
September 11, 2026 midnight

Man fired upon by Kalispell Police officers allegedly hurled cans, rocks during confrontation

The man arrested after Kalispell Police officers opened fire earlier this month allegedly hurled rocks, cans and bottles at them during the confrontation.

Therapist accused of keeping cache of child porn, bomb parts
September 11, 2026 midnight

Therapist accused of keeping cache of child porn, bomb parts

Scott Thomas McFarlane, 41, is being held in the county jail with bail set at $1 million following the search of his Shadow Wood Drive home.