MISSOULA — Mason David Drake of Minnesota, who is accused of killing a Kalispell mother and daughter in a car crash on July 4, is now in jail.
Flathead County jail records show Drake was taken into custody on Monday, October 21. Court documents obtained from Flathead County District Court show a warrant for arrest was issued for Drake on October 8.
The crash happened just before noon. on July 4th on Montana Highway 35 near Hooper’s Garden Center, northeast of Kalispell.
The Montana Highway Patrol reported at the time that a northbound Chevy Silverado driven by a 23-year-old man from Lanesboro, Minnesota, crossed over into the southbound lane and hit a Ford Ranger head-on. The two women in the Ford pick-up truck -- Alice Barten and Katie Barten -- died at the scene.
Court documents state that emergency personnel reported an overwhelming odor of an alcoholic beverage emanated from Drake, who was taken to Kalispell Regional Medical Center. The MHP obtained a blood sample at the hospital which was then sent to the Montana State Crime Lab in Missoula for analysis. Testing at the crime lab indicated that Drake’s blood alcohol content was .136, higher than the .08 threshold for driving legally in Montana.
Drake is charged with two counts of vehicular homicide while under the influence.
We have contacted the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office to find out why Drake was not taken into custody after the crash and when he’s expected to make his first court appearance, but have not yet received a response.
We will update you as we get more information.
