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Suspect arrested after fleeing traffic stop in Kalispell

JACK UNDERHILL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month, 2 weeks AGO
by JACK UNDERHILL
KALISPELL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION REPORTER Jack Underhill covers Kalispell city government, housing and transportation for the Daily Inter Lake. His reporting focuses on how local policy decisions affect residents and the rapidly growing Flathead Valley. Underhill has reported on housing challenges, infrastructure issues and regional service providers across Montana. His work also includes accountability reporting on complex community issues and public institutions. Originally from Massachusetts, Underhill graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a degree in Journalism before joining the Inter Lake. In his free time, Underhill enjoys mountain biking around the valley, skiing up on Big Mountain or exploring Glacier National Park. IMPACT: Jack’s work helps residents understand how growth, housing and infrastructure decisions affect the future of their community. | July 23, 2026 12:00 AM

Authorities engaged in a vehicle pursuit through Kalispell on Wednesday morning that ended in an arrest.  

Flathead County resident Laura Ann Johnson-Daley, 51, was taken to the Flathead County Detention Center following the chase, according to the Kalispell Police Department. 

The chase began about 7:30 a.m., July 22 after Flathead County Sheriff's Office deputies attempted to stop a vehicle near the intersection of Cemetery Road and U.S. 93. The traffic stop involved an investigation into an alleged restraining order violation. 

The driver failed to obey, prompting the pursuit. Within minutes, Kalispell Police officers deployed stop sticks to pop the vehicle's tires, according to Kalispell Capt. Chad Fetveit.  

Johnson-Daley is being held on pending charges of felony criminal endangerment and misdemeanor unlawful restraint, violation of a protective order and fleeing from or eluding a peace officer, according to the jail roster, which lists her name as Laura Ann Johnson.  

She is expected to appear in court on Thursday.  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 406-758-4407 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.

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