Eureka man gets jail time for police chase conviction

A Northwest Montana man was sentenced to jail time after pleading guilty to fleeing from police in a high-speed chase on U.S. 93 last fall south of Eureka.

Elijah James Lemmon, 38, of Eureka, appeared in Lincoln County District Court on April 10 before Judge Matt Cuffe. He received a one-year suspended sentence, but must serve 30 days in the county jail. Lemmon received credit for serving seven days previously.

Cuffe also ordered Lemmon to write a letter of apology to the arresting officer. Lemmon must also complete classes related to drinking and driving.

Lemmon originally pleaded not guilty on Jan. 23 to DUI, fourth offense, driving on a suspended or revoked license, fleeing police, speeding and driving a motorcycle without the proper license.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of Oct. 11, 2022, when county Sheriff’s deputy Clint Heintz saw a northbound motorcycle on U.S. 93 near Therriault Creek Road traveling 96 miles per hour in a 70 mph zone, according to his radar.

He followed the bike at speeds of up to 110 mph with his lights and siren on. Lemmon later pulled over near North Rolling Hills Road.

Heintz reported Lemmon was unable to maintain a line of travel common for motorcyclists. When asked for a driver’s license, Lemmon gave the officer a Montana ID card and said his license was suspended. Heintz said he could smell alcohol on Lemmon. The accused said he had consumed two beers.

When Heintz did a computer check, he learned Lemmon’s license was suspended out of Washington. He was arrested for driving on a suspended license. At the police station, Lemmon emptied his pockets and Heintz saw a marijuana pipe and a dispensary tube.

After performing various field sobriety tests, Heintz asked Lemmon to provide breath and blood samples. Lemmon refused both. A records check indicated Lemmon had three DUI convictions in Washington between 2008 and 2012.