A repeat offender is facing fresh felony charges after allegedly driving drunk through Columbia Falls with his child in the vehicle last month.  

Prosecutors charged Michael James Johns, 50, of Columbia Falls with criminal child endangerment and driving under the influence, fourth offense, after an Aug. 27 traffic stop on Ninth Street West. Johns is expected to appear before Judge Dan Wilson in Flathead County District Court on Oct. 15 for his arraignment. 

A Columbia Falls Police officer initiated the traffic stop about 4:50 p.m. after watching Johns' black Dodge Ram allegedly run a red light, nearly causing a collision. As Johns fumbled for his wallet and rifled through his glove box, the officer spotted four open Coors Light cans in the center console cupholders and Johns' 7-year-old child in the passenger-side rear seat, court documents said.  

Asked about alcohol, Johns admitted to drinking "a couple of beers," according to court documents.  

Johns underwent field sobriety tests but fell over before completing them, court documents said. A breath sample given at the Columbia Falls Police Department allegedly returned at 0.125. 

Johns was previously convicted of driving under the influence in 1999, 2011 and 2014, prosecutors wrote in the charging documents. 

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.