Libby woman changes plea in hit and run

Patience Patton appeared in Montana 19th Judicial District Court in Libby Monday, April 9 to change her plea to guilty to a felony charge of failing to stop immediately at a scene involving death or serious bodily injury.

In sworn testimony in response to questions from public defender Jessica Polan, Patton admitted that on Jan. 17 she was driving a vehicle that struck a man in Libby. She admitted she failed to stop and left the scene, not turning herself in to law enforcement until “a few hours” after.

Patton, who is 20 years old, also admitted to receiving a citation for being in possession of alcohol about a week later.

Patton assured the court through her attorney that she has been sober since that time and is remorseful.

Patton’s sentencing was set for May 21.

On Jan. 17, Neil Milner was found by responders lying on the sidewalk across from the entrance to Pioneer Park.

Jeffrey Robertson, who identified himself as the original 911 caller, said told Libby Police Officer Ron Buckner that he heard the accident. Robertson attempted to get the vehicle to stop, but was unsuccessful.

At the hospital, Milner told Buckner that he was struck from behind while walking next to the curb on Balsam street. Milner said he was sent airborne. Milner was sent to surgery for a broken foot and ankle bones.

Milner also received staples for a laceration on the back of his head and sustained whiplash and bruising to his hip, according to Buckner’s affidavit.

An anonymous tip to 911 led Buckner and Sheriff’s Detective Nate Scofield and Libby Police Chief Scott Kessel to Patton’s address, where they located a light blue Chevy Cruze with a broken windshield, dented hood and broken plastic bugshield matching plastic pieces found at the scene of the hit and run.

The Cruze was impounded, but Patton was not located at the residence.

While Buckner was getting photos of the car, Patton turned herself in at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s office.

In her interview with Libby Police, Patton admitted to taking Valium the night before and having a shot of whiskey at 6:30 a.m. “to start her day off,” according to Buckner’s affidavit.

Patton said she was attempting to run an errand when she began to feel drowsy, and decided to return to her residence. She stated that she believed she fell asleep at the wheel as she turned onto Balsam Street.

Patton told police she woke up after hearing a thump, and believed she had struck a blue garbage can.

Patton refused a blood draw during the interview with Buckner.