Suspect arrested during police chase on charges of selling methamphetamine

A man arrested during a police chase in Kalispell on Election Day has been charged with trafficking methamphetamine.

Following his Nov. 5 arrest, Eric Christopher Apple, 39, is charged with criminal trespass and criminal possession of a dangerous drug with intent to distribute in Flathead County District Court. He is expected to appear before Judge Amy Eddy for arraignment on November 14.

Authorities are holding Apple in the county jail on $200,000 bond.

According to court documents, the pursuit began after Kalispell police officers recognized Apple, who had an outstanding warrant for his arrest, at a gas station at about 11:34 a.m. Apple allegedly fled when officers attempted a traffic stop.

The ensuing chase led through residential neighborhoods to schools and past the Flathead County Fairgrounds, the site of a busy Election Day polling station, court documents said. Officers estimated Appl was going 60 mph in residential areas and 50 mph in schools. During the chase, he allegedly ran 29 stop signs and three red lights.

Officers ended the chase using what’s known as a precision immobilization technique, or PIT maneuver. During a PIT maneuver, a police officer runs into a fleeing vehicle in an attempt to get it to swerve and stop.

The applicant unsuccessfully tried to flee on foot, according to court documents.

At the request of an Appl probation officer, authorities searched a car driven by a 39-year-old man, according to court documents. After opening a backpack left on the dashboard of the car, investigators allegedly found a baggie with dollar signs on it, which contained 3.21 grams of a white, crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine.

They later found several unused bags and an electronic scale in a backpack, court documents said.

Criminal endangerment carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine. Felony possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or [email protected].