Montana News

Polson man drives into Flathead Lake, faces 9th DUI

Posted: Nov 6, 2012 7:11 PM by Irina Cates - KPAX News

POLSON - A Polson man is facing his 9th DUI charge after he led officers on a car chase and then drove into the Flathead Lake.

It happened Monday evening, just after 7:30.

Polson Police Assistant Chief John Stevens says Todd Burland, 45, of Polson was high-centered in a parking lot on Main Street and when officers arrived to investigate, he took off. Burland got onto Highway 93 and led several officers on a car chase until he eventually drove through Boettcher Park and into the lake.

Burland then started swimming away, so several officers and firefighters put on water gear and went in after him.

One officer swam 200 yards before catching up to Burland and the two were then brought to shore by a boat.

Burland was taken to the hospital and he was later booked into the Lake County jail for Probation Violation and Felony DUI, 9th offense. Stevens says other misdemeanor and felony charges may be filed at a later date.

Multiple agencies were involved in this incident, including Polson PD, Lake Co Sheriff's Office, Tribal Law and Order, the Montana Highway Patrol and the Polson Fire Department.

Stevens says the cooperation between all of these agencies made it possible to bring this situation to a successful end.

No responders were injured.