A Missoula motorist who crashed into a building adjacent to the historic Flathead County Courthouse in Kalispell last summer is now facing a felony charge.

Prosecutors in March filed a count of criminal endangerment against 30-year-old Ehsanullah Nasimi in connection with the July 6 wreck. Nasimi, who posted a $50,000 bond in May, is expected to appear before Judge Dan Wilson in Flathead County District Court for his arraignment on June 11.  

Nasimi was behind the wheel of a Nissan Versa that drove over the lawn and into the cement base of the former Flathead County Youth Detention Center about 1:10 a.m., leaving himself and a passenger with significant injuries, according to court documents. Responding Kalispell Police officers found Nasimi stuck in the driver's seat and his passenger on the ground beside the vehicle.  

A witness told investigators that the Nissan had sped around them as they traveled along South Main Street, nearly sideswiping their vehicle, according to court documents. They described watching as the Nissan continued north before driving full speed into the wall of the former youth detention facility.  

A second motorist reported narrowly missing being sideswiped by the Nissan as it passed them at about 80 mph. They watched as the vehicle swerved, jumped a curb and smashed into the building.  

If convicted of felony criminal endangerment, Nasimi faces up to 10 years in Montana State Prison 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.