A motorist is facing a slew of charges after allegedly driving into an Idaho Street building in Kalispell while drunk last month and then leaving the scene. 

Prosecutors brought Brandon Robert Paine, 25, up on a felony charge of criminal endangerment and misdemeanor counts of aggravated driving under the influence, first offense, and operation of a vehicle without liability insurance, second offense following the June 15 wreck. Paine is expected to appear before Judge Amy Eddy in Flathead County District Court on July 14 for his arraignment. 

Responding Kalispell Police officers found a bumper on the sidewalk on the 100 block of East Idaho Street and tire marks leading to an impact mark on the side of a nearby building, according to court documents.  

One witness told investigators they saw a truck fishtail before driving up onto the sidewalk and back over to the road before turning onto Third Avenue East. Another set of witnesses, two teenage boys, reported hearing a loud bang and tires screeching before seeing a bumper hurtle toward them. They recounted dodging out of the way as the truck barreled in their direction, according to court documents.  

Officers tracked down a damaged truck to the 900 block of Fourth Avenue East and identified Paine as the owner, court documents said. He allegedly admitted being in a wreck earlier in the day and said he lacked insurance.  

Investigators later learned that Paine had bought a beer and downed several shots at a downtown bar before the wreck, according to court documents. Paine allegedly acknowledged colliding with the building and said he continued on his way home afterward. 

Given his allegedly bloodshot, watery eyes and the odor of alcohol emanating from him, Paine underwent field sobriety tests and showed signs of impairment. A breath sample returned at 0.187, according to court documents.  

If convicted of the felony charge, Paine 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.