Great Falls man faces multiple charges related to police pursuit

A Great Falls man is accused of injuring one person and endangering the lives of other motorists while he led law enforcement on a pursuit. 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.

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 the Silverado across the Armed Forces Memorial Bridge in excess of 70 mph. The vehicle of one bystander was struck in the Polson area, injuring an occupant, before the driver fled south out of Polson. Speeds at this point of the pursuit exceeded 125 mph.

The chase continued south through Pablo until the Silverado was disabled by a spike strip deployed by law enforcement on the north edge of Ronan. Lee allegedly struck another motorist in a 2012 Chevy Sonic before skidding out and causing damage to a Ronan business. The Sonic appeared to be totaled. One of its occupants had to be transported to the hospital for treatment of a head laceration. Damage at the Ronan business was estimated at around $45,000.

Judge Molly Owen set the case for trial on March 2. Lee remains in custody with bond set at $100,000.