A police pursuit in Columbia Falls involving a stolen vehicle driven by Alfred Chester Paul Flamond resulted in a serious accident that severely injured Hazel Alexander, a local high school junior. Flamond was driving recklessly at speeds up to 90 mph, running red lights and weaving through traffic before colliding with Alexander’s car. Police Chief Chad Stephens reviewed the incident and concluded that the pursuit complied with city policy and state laws, noting that Flamond’s dangerous driving likely would have continued even if the pursuit had been terminated. The pursuit lasted about 80 seconds over 1.6 miles, and officers did not use spike strips or pursuit intervention tactics (PIT) due to lack of certification and timing.

Stephens’ report highlighted Flamond’s extensive criminal history, including 44 prior arrests and six alleged felonies, and emphasized the department’s intention to train officers in PIT maneuvers in the future. The city council reviewed the report but took no action. The full pursuit policy, which guides decisions based on the seriousness of the crime and public safety risks, is publicly available on the city’s website. Flamond remains in custody at the Flathead County Detention Center.