Summons Issued for Browning Senator Charged with DUI

HELENA — A magistrate judge has issued a court summons for a state senator and Blackfeet tribal leader accused of drunken driving and obstructing a peace officer.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong on Monday ordered Browning Democratic Sen. Shannon Augare to appear in court on July 17 in Great Falls.

Augare is accused of three misdemeanor charges after he allegedly fled a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 2 within the Blackfeet reservation’s boundaries.

Prosecutors say Augare told a Glacier County sheriff’s deputy he had no jurisdiction and drove away while the officer was attempting to take his keys.

County officials generally don’t have jurisdiction over enrolled tribal members on reservations.

Tribal prosecutors asked the U.S. attorney’s office to take the case against Augare, who is on the ruling Blackfeet Business Tribal Council.

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