Wednesday, October 21, 2026
27.0°F

Mission woman admits to car theft, endangerment

JEFF SMITH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month, 1 week 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

Dayton man receives five years, suspended, for ramming gate
October 1, 2026 midnight

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.

October 1, 2026 midnight

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.

October 1, 2026 midnight

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.