The drunk driver who crashed in Whitefish after a day of skiing and boozing in January was sentenced to 90 days of jail time earlier this month.

Prosecutors charged Bridger Emery Hanson, 22, of Columbia Falls with felony criminal endangerment and misdemeanor driving under the influence, first offense, in Flathead County District Court following the Jan. 17 wreck on Wisconsin Avenue. He accepted a plea agreement on June 23.

In exchange for a guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to recommend Hanson receive a deferred six-year sentence on the felony charge. For the misdemeanor drunk driving charge, Hanson was to get a six-month jail stint with all but 90 days suspended.

Hanson also agreed to undergo a chemical dependency evaluation and comply with all subsequent recommendations as well as pay restitution.

Hanson entered the guilty pleas before Judge Paul Sullivan on June 23. Sullivan stuck to the terms of the arrangement at Hanson's Sept. 10 sentencing and gave the 22-year-old credit for 17 days of time served.

Hanson's Chevrolet pickup plowed into a Honda CR-V on Wisconsin Avenue while attempting to pass another motorist at about 7:21 p.m., according to court documents. The two occupants of the Honda were taken to the hospital for treatment following the wreck.

Hanson chalked the crash up to inattentiveness when he spoke with Whitefish Police officers afterward, court documents said.

But the officers allegedly smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath. Under questioning, Hanson admitted drinking several beers over the four or five hours he was on the slopes, court documents said.

He confessed to having "messed up" after showing signs of impairment during field sobriety tests and providing a preliminary breath test that returned over the legal limit, according to court 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.