HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The man that led Havre Police on a December 19 high speed chase that ended in Beaver Creek Park has been formally charged in Hill County District Court.
34-year-old Havre resident Terry Lee Wells, Jr., has been charged with three counts of felony criminal endangerment and one count of misdemeanor fleeing from or eluding a Peace Officer.
The formal charges were included among documents filed in Hill County District Court on December 26. Also filed on that date was a supporting affidavit that provides new information into the pursuit.
According to the affidavit, officers attempted to stop Wells multiple times throughout the pursuit, which occurred at around 8:30 AM.
At one point, Wells, who was wearing a facemask, avoided Lieutenant Aaron Wittmer’s vehicle by driving through a yard at the 1100 block of 11th Street West. Wittmer noted the same individual had been seen wearing the same facemask a couple of days prior at the 1500 block of Smithville.
While in Havre, Wells passed at least 20 vehicles on the road, including a school bus.
When the chase reached 13th Street West, Wells was driving erratically and at a speed between 60 and 90 miles an hour. Once Wells left city limits, his speed varied between 70 and 100 mph, although he slowed down at one point because of the sun glare.
The chase ended in Beaver Creek Park, where Wells caused severe damage to his vehicle by striking a deer. Although his vehicle started to smoke, Wells continued driving at a speed of about 40 mph until Lieutenant Wittmer struck Wells’ vehicle and forced it off the side of the road and into a snow pile.
Wells exited his vehicle and complied with police orders. He was subsequently arrested and transported to the Hill County Detention Center.
The two passengers in Wells’ vehicle, a 39-year-old female from Havre and a 22-year-old female from Box Elder were released to the Rocky Boy Police.
Wells’ arraignment is scheduled for January 6 at the Hill County Court House. He remains in the Hill County Detention Center on bonds totaling over $300,000, including a $250,000 Pick Up and Hold Order from Adult Probation and Parole.
