Wednesday, September 30, 2026
60.0°F

Mission woman admits to car theft, endangerment

JEFF SMITH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 weeks, 6 days AGO
by JEFF SMITH
Jeff Smith is news director for Anderson Broadcasting and a contributor to the Lake County Leader. | September 10, 2026 12:00 AM

A St. Ignatius woman admitted to stealing a car and endangering the public during a pursuit.

Faith Parker, 26, entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court Sept. 2 to felony charges of criminal endangerment and theft. The plea was entered as part of an agreement that dismisses one count of aggravated fleeing or eluding officers and two 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. As more law enforcement officers joined in the pursuit, others staged in the area.

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 theft charge stemming from the theft of 2015 Acura as it was parked outside of Allard’s General Store in St. Ignatius on Nov. 25, 2025.

Judge Molly Owen set sentencing for Oct. 21. Parker remains in custody and is awaiting extradition to Idaho.

ARTICLES BY JEFF SMITH

Ronan man charged with raping unconscious woman
September 24, 2026 midnight

Ronan man charged with raping unconscious woman

A Ronan man is accused of raping a woman in a public park. Matthew Julian Michel, 38, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court Sept. 16 to felony sexual intercourse without consent.

September 20, 2026 midnight

Judge rejects plea deal, sentences Polson man to 15 years for child's death

A Polson man was sentenced Sept. 11 to the Montana State Prison for 15 years with seven years suspended for causing the death of a child.

September 17, 2026 midnight

Judge rejects plea agreement; sentences man to 15 years for child's death

A Polson man was sentenced Sept. 11 to the Montana State Prison for 15 years with seven years suspended for causing the death of a child.