A Flathead County man nearly ran over a sheriff’s deputy and a group of pedestrians in Bigfork while fleeing the scene of an accident, county officials said in charging documents.
Evan Thomas Bryman pleaded not guilty to felony criminal endangerment and misdemeanor drug possession in Flathead County District Court on Aug. 21.
According to prosecutors, a Flathead County Sheriff’s Deputy saw Bryman back a Chevy Suburban into a stairway in an alley in downtown Bigfork. The deputy had spoken with Bryman earlier in the evening and reported that the man appeared to be drunk. The collision ripped the grill and light off the vehicle, but despite the damage, Bryman continued driving. The deputy tried to stop him but Bryman sped toward the officer, who then shot a taser at the driver. Bryman broke the wires of the taser and drove toward a large group of pedestrians who jumped out of the way to avoid being hit.
The deputy drove after Bryman and was later able to pull him over and apprehend him. As the deputy documented the damage to the vehicle, he noticed a bag of marijuana on the driver’s side floorboard. Bryman refused to take a field sobriety test or breath sample.
If convicted, Bryman could face 10 years in prison and fine of $50,000.