A Libby man with a checkered past is charged with multiple offenses following a recent two-vehicle traffic crash.

Ivan John Hagen, 66, was locked up in the Lincoln County Detention Center following the accident Friday, July 17, on U.S. 2 near the intersection of Shaugnessy Road.

Hagen’s charged with three misdemeanors, including aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol or drug, driving without insurance and not yielding the right of way.

Hagen was seen July 20 by Justice of the Peace Jay Sheffield. He set Hagen’s bond at $5,000. Hagen pleaded not guilty and requested a bench trial. He later posted bond and was released.

The crash, which is under investigation due to the suspicion of alcohol use, occurred at about noon on U.S. 2. It resulted in a decrease of traffic lane use while it was cleaned up and investigated.

Montana Highway Patrol Sgt. Andrew Horton is the investigating officer in the accident. 

Sgt. Horton told The Western News a 1998 tan Toyota Tacoma pickup truck with Lincoln County, Montana plates was at Saverite South when the driver attempted to make a left-hand turn from the lot and failed to yield to the driver of a 2011 red Toyota Prius with Idaho plates, which was traveling south on U.S. 2.

According to the criminal complaint, Hagen was driving the Tacoma pickup. Both vehicles sustained severe front-end damage, but Horton said injuries to both drivers were minor and didn’t require transport to the hospital.

An air bag was deployed in the Prius while the drivers of both vehicles reportedly wore seat belts. The pickup was fitted with a brush guard.

In 2021, Hagen was accused of stealing gas, cigarettes and alcohol from a number of area stores while brandishing a gun during one incident. He pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of theft, received a six-month suspended sentence, was fined and ordered to pay a fine and restitution to the businesses.

A conviction on the current aggravated DUI may result in a one-year term in the county jail. The other offenses may result in fines of not more than $350.