Tribal law-enforcement officers arrested a state senator and Blackfeet leader for driving under the influence, a charge he says has since been dropped and was politically motivated.
Outgoing Sen. Shannon Augare told the Great Falls Tribune on Monday he was pulled over late last week and charged with misdemeanor DUI, eluding a police officer and speeding. He says those charges were dismissed in Blackfeet Tribal Court on Monday.
Police Chief Joshua Black Weasel would only confirm that Augare had been arrested on the reservation.
Augare says his arrest was “pure harassment,” noting that Black Weasel dislikes him because he wouldn’t recognize his appointment as police chief.
In May 2013, Glacier County deputies stopped Augare west of Cut Bank. The senator pleaded guilty to DUI, reckless driving and obstructing a police officer.