A Columbia Falls man has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge in connection with a January wreck that prosecutors say he caused after a day of drinking and skiing.  

Bridger Emery Hanson, 22, appeared before Judge Paul Sullivan in Flathead County District Court for his arraignment on April 16. He also faces a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence, first offense. 

Whitefish Police officers arrested Hanson after the Chevrolet pickup he was driving collided head-on with a Honda CR-V on Wisconsin Avenue about 7:21 p.m. Jan. 17, according to court documents. First responders took the two injured occupants of the Honda to the hospital for treatment. 

A motorist traveling south on Wisconsin Avenue prior to the crash told officers that Hanson struck the Honda, which was headed north, as he attempted to pass her, according to court documents. A pedestrian who saw the crash corroborated the motorist's account.  

Hanson allegedly told officers he chalked up the wreck to inattention. He said he lost control of the pickup and drifted into the wrong lane, court documents said.  

But officers described smelling the odor of an alcoholic drink on his breath, according to court documents. Pressed, Hanson allegedly acknowledged having two beers over four or five hours while up on the mountain. He said he was fine, according to court documents.  

During the subsequent field sobriety test, though, Hanson showed signs of impairment, court documents said. A preliminary breath test allegedly returned over the legal limit as well. 

Taken back to the police department, Hanson admitted that he had "messed up," according to court documents. Recanting his earlier story, he said he ended up in the wrong lane while trying to pass another vehicle. He also indicated he had drunk more than just two beers during the day, court documents said.  

Hanson agreed to a blood test, which later returned at double the legal limit, court documents alleged.  

Prosecutors filed the charges against Hanson in district court on March 19. Booked on April 2, Hanson was initially held on $100,000 bail, but bonded out after Sullivan lowered the amount to $50,000 and required him to undergo alcohol monitoring.  

An omnibus hearing in the case is set for May 6, with a pretrial conference to follow on June 23.  

If convicted of felony criminal endangerment, Hanson faces up to 10 years behind bars and a $50,000 fine. 

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 406-758-4430 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.