A Great Falls man who admitted to using a vehicle as a weapon during a high-speed pursuit with law enforcement was sentenced in District Court in Polson Feb. 11 to 10 years in the Montana State Prison with none of that time suspended.

Michael David Lee, 43, entered a plea of guilty Dec. 17, 2025, to felony assault with a weapon as part of an agreement that dismisses criminal endangerment and criminal mischief charges.

According to court records, on Aug. 24, 2025, law enforcement responded to a report of a stolen vehicle occupied by a potentially suicidal male with intentions to shoot at law enforcement. Lee was spotted by officers driving a 2004 white Chevy Silverado on Jette Hill and took off from them.

Officers followed him across the Armed Forces Memorial Bridge at speeds exceeding 70 mph, before he fled south out of Polson. Speeds at this point exceeded 125 mph as the pursuit continued south through Pablo.

The Silverado struck another motorist in a 2012 Chevy Sonic before it skidded out and caused damage to a Ronan business. The Chevy Sonic appeared to be totaled and 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 Molly Owen gave Lee credit for having served 172 days in jail. Lee expressed remorse and issued a tearful apology during his sentencing.

He also offered an apology letter to the occupants of the Chevy Sonic, which was made part of the court file.