Fake plates lead to fugitive arrest

David Dean Rae, a 61-year-old Columbia Falls man, was arrested by a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Nov. 11 and is being held in the Lincoln County Detention Center awaiting extradition on three felony warrants.

Rae was stopped by Trooper Katherine Trewick and cited for displaying license plates assigned to another vehicle on his 1996 Dodge van. The violation is punishable by a fine of up to $500. Rae was additionally charged with a misdemeanor count of obstructing a peace officer or other public servant, which is punishable by up to six months imprisonment and an additional $500.

In addition to the new violations, Rae is wanted on two felony warrants in Flathead County and one from Idaho.

The Idaho warrant was issued May 11, 2012, alleging Rae violated his probation with regard to a previous felony conviction for driving while intoxicated.

The Flathead County warrants were issed June 29, 2015, and allege violations of previous suspended sentences on felony charges dating back to 2009 and 2013.

Rae pleaded not guilty to the new charges. He is scheduled for an omnibus hearing before Justice of the Peace Jay Sheffield Jan. 14, 2016.