A Columbia Falls man had his bail reduced last week in Flathead County District Court but not to the degree the defense would have liked.

Bridger Emery Hanson, 21, is charged with felony criminal endangerment and driving under the influence in an accident where he allegedly struck another vehicle head-on about 7:21 p.m. Jan. 17, near 510 Wisconsin Ave., in Whitefish. The two occupants of the other vehicle, both 90, suffered severe injuries, according to testimony by a family member during a bail reduction hearing in front of District Court Judge Paul Sullivan on April 16. 

According to the affidavit in support of motion for leave to file an information, Hanson told a Whitefish Police officer he was not paying attention, lost control of his vehicle, and drifted into the other lane. 

But the officer reportedly noted a strong smell of alcohol on Hanson’s breath, documents state. Hanson said he was fine and had two beers over five hours while at Whitefish Mountain Resort, but he reportedly failed a preliminary breath test. 

He was taken into custody and while being processed, he allegedly said he messed up, and said he was trying to pass a vehicle and ended up in the wrong lane. A subsequent blood test showed Hanson’s blood alcohol content was about two times the legal limit, documents state. 

In addition a southbound car that was a witness claimed Hanson’s truck came up behind her, and when it went to pass it stayed in the northbound lane and struck the other vehicle, which was driven by Kenneth Jospeh Powell. His wife, Shirley, was a passenger in the car. 

Both were severely injured, testified their daughter, Sharon Stevens. 

Stevens, questioned by Deputy County Attorney Lenore Bushey, noted that her parents were living on their own before the accident and now her mother had to live in an assisted living center and her father, whose legs were severely broken in the crash, might not ever walk again. 

Hanson’s bail was $100,000. His father, Terry, testified under questioning by defense attorney Sean Hinchey his son could live with and be supervised by him pending further court appearance if his son was released on his own recognizance. 

Bridger works for Terry in their excavation business. Sullivan lowered Hanson’s bail to $50,000, but rejected the request for no bail. He noted Hanson had no prior criminal record.