Grandmother faces child endangerment charge

A Polson woman is facing a felony charge after authorities allege she drove drunk and crashed her vehicle with her 8-year-old grandson in the car.

Tima Ardell Brown, 59, was charged in Flathead County District Court with criminal child endangerment.

Brown was arraigned on the charge July 16 and pleaded not guilty.

In charging documents, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper responded to a rollover crash at the intersection of Conrad Drive and Anderson Lane in Kalispell at 12:05 p.m. Friday, June 26.

The trooper saw a vehicle had failed to negotiate a curve and struck three caution signs for the curve before coming to a stop on the right side of the road.

When the trooper got to the vehicle, he reported Brown allegedly tried to stuff an open alcoholic beverage between the seat, admitted to drinking, smelled of alcohol while speaking, mumbled, slurred her words, cursed and had diminished fine motor skills.

According to the court document, Brown agreed to submit a blood sample, which was forwarded to the Montana State Crime Lab for analysis.

The complaint also indicated Brown allegedly admitted to drinking and taking prescription medications earlier.

Brown was released on her own recognizance. She is not allowed to drink alcohol or enter bars, taverns or casinos.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com