Mission woman charged with fleeing from police
JEFF SMITH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 months, 3 weeks AGO
Jeff Smith is news director for Anderson Broadcasting and a contributor to the Lake County Leader. | May 28, 2026 12:00 AM
A St. Ignatius woman is accused of leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase through the Ronan area. Faith Parker, 26, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court May 20 to felony charges of aggravated fleeing or eluding, and three counts of criminal endangerment.
According to charging documents, on May 1, law enforcement officers spotted a white Dodge Caravan that matched the description of a possible stolen vehicle. The officers observed the Caravan turn onto Songer Road without signaling and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
The Caravan took off at a high rate of speed, and at one point began losing traction on a gravel road. Other law enforcement officers joined in the pursuit.
At one point the Caravan drove directly at a patrol unit, forcing one officer to jump out the passenger side. The Caravan swerved in time to avoid hitting the patrol unit.
Spike strips were successfully deployed at Bouchard Road, which brought the Caravan to a stop at Innovation Drive, south of Ronan. The driver, later identified as Parker, attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly detained.
Parker was already facing a charge stemming from the theft of 2015 Acura as it was parked outside of Allard’s convenient store in St. Ignatius on Nov. 25, 2025. That case is currently set for trial on July 20.
Judge Molly Owen, who is presiding over both cases, set the new case for trial on Oct. 19.
ARTICLES BY JEFF SMITH
Dayton man receives five years, suspended, for ramming gate
A Dayton man was sentenced in Polson District Court Sept. 24 to the Montana Department of Corrections for five years, with all time suspended. Orli Christensen Bitsinni, 27, entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court on July 2 to criminal mischief.
Charlo man faces charges for threatening woman with knife
A Charlo man is accused of breaking into a woman’s home and threatening her with a knife. Anthony Allen Brooks, 35, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court on Sept. 23 to felony charges of aggravated burglary and assault with a weapon.
Polson man ordered to pay restitution for keying pickup
A Polson man, who admitted to vandalizing a vehicle, had the imposition of sentencing deferred for three years in Polson District Court Sept. 24.