Man denies drunken crash on Central Ave

A man is denying that he drove drunk and side-swiped a vehicle in downtown Whitefish last month.

Caleb Edward Thomas Rodger, 23, has pleaded not guilty in Flathead District Court to charges of felony criminal endangerment and misdemeanor failure to notify of an accident and driving under the influence.

A jury trial has been set for Aug. 8.

According to court documents, Whitefish officers were called Feb. 28 to a possible hit-and-run at Central Avenue and First Street.

A responding officer says he saw Rodger’s red car turn south from First to Spokane Avenue then pull over. A group of people surrounded the vehicle.

The officer’s court report states that upon investigation, Rodger appeared “extremely intoxicated” and reeked of alcohol. He reportedly provided a breath sample that was .115. The legal limit is .08.

A witness to the incident told the officer he heard a car hit something. Three people then attempted to remove the driver from the car, but the driver backed up and drove away, the witness said.

The officer noted in the court report that a tree was sheared off at its base, a bike rack was knocked over, a parking sign was hit and a Subaru had been side-swiped.

Rodger faces up to 10 years in state prison and a maximum $50,000 fine.