Man pleads not guilty to charges from chase

by Stephanie Molzhon

Making his initial appearance before Judge Deborah Kim Christopher on Tuesday, Homer Sam Colman pled not guilty to two felony charges of criminal endangerment, stemming from a high speed chase that took place at the beginning of April. Judge Christopher set this matter for jury trial on November 6, 2023.

According to the filed affidavit, on April 6, Tribal Officer T.J. Haynes was patrolling in the Arlee area when he witnessed Colman driving northbound through Arlee. As Officer Haynes was aware that Colman’s driver’s license was suspended, he initiated a traffic stop. Colman initially stopped, but took off northbound at a high rate of speed as Officer Haynes approached the vehicle. Officer Haynes returned to his vehicle and pursued. During the pursuit, the filings allege Colman reached speeds of over 110 miles per hour, passed vehicles in no-passing zones, passed a vehicle on the right in a curve, and almost side swiped another vehicle. As Colman entered Ravalli, he allegedly continued at speeds of over 90 mph in a 45 mph zone while passing vehicles in the turning lane, before turning onto Highway 200.

The pursuit continued down Highway 200 at speeds over 100 mph until Colman turned south onto road B8100, heading toward the mountains, which Officer Haynes knew was impassable due to the snow. At one point, Colman put his vehicle into reverse, striking Officer Haynes’ patrol vehicle. Colman continued down the road, attempting to drive up a steep hill before he jumped out and started running east. Colman’s vehicle rolled back down the hill, striking the patrol car and causing major damage. Officer Haynes continued the pursuit on foot through the snow, catching up to Colman when he slipped. As alleged, Colman reached into his pocket, pulled out a glass pipe, and proceeded to smoke a substance after cursing at Officer Haynes. Colman continued to refuse to get on the ground, even after being tased to no effect, and was taken into custody after backup arrived.

Jeffrey Edmund Trump appeared for an initial hearing on a filed petition to revoke probation. Trump elected to enter admissions to violations of using illegal drugs, not maintaining employment, and not following through with his treatment recommendations. As agreed between the parties, Judge Christopher sentenced Trump to a total of ten years to the Department of Corrections, with five years suspended and credit for 389 days time served. Judge Christopher also made a recommendation for Trump to attend the Connections Corrections program, followed by prerelease. Trump was remanded to the custody of the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office for delivery to the Department of Corrections.