An 18-year-old Kalispell woman is behind bars after allegedly breaking into multiple automobiles and stealing at least three cars this week.
Montana Kelly is being held on charges of theft and criminal endangerment after being arrested on May 3 following high-speed chase near Whitefish.
According to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, detectives believe Kelly was responsible for multiple break-ins in the Kalispell area this week. On Wednesday evening, Kelly allegedly stole three different vehicles in the Kalispell area and crashed two of them.
On Wednesday evening, a Whitefish Police Department officer spotted Kelly driving north on U.S. Highway 93. The officer started to pursue Kelly at a high rate of speed on U.S. Highway 93 before she turned on Tamarack Meadow Road west of Whitefish. Kelly allegedly crashed the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. Law enforcement spent more than an hour pursuing her on foot before arresting her.
The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Whitefish Police Department, Montana Highway Patrol and Two Bear Air all helped in apprehending Kelly.
Sheriff Chuck Curry said detectives believe Kelly has been responsible for dozens of thefts in recent weeks. He encouraged anyone who has had something stolen from his or her vehicle to contact law enforcement.