GREAT FALLS — Kyle Norman Heupel has been charged in Great Falls after he reportedly was driving under the influence with a minor in his vehicle.
Court documents say that a police officer saw a large cloud of smoke at the intersection of 1st Avenue North and 8th Street at about 1:15 a.m. on Friday, January 3rd. As he approached, the officer saw a white pickup truck and a large "burnout" mark in the intersection that appeared fresh.
The officer followed the pickup truck for several blocks and initiated a traffic stop on the 300 block of 7th Street North, and identified the driver as Heupel. There was also a 13-year old passenger in the vehicle who is a relative of Heupel.
The officer noted that Heupel smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot, glassy eyes. Court documents say that Heupel admitted drinking alcohol earlier in the evening. Field sobriety tests showed "indicators of impairment," but Heupel refused to provide a breath sample. A search of Heupel as he was arrested revealed a small amount of marijuana in his pocket. He agreed to submit a blood sample, so the officer took him to Benefis Health System for a blood draw, and then to the Cascade County Detention Center.
At the time of the incident, Heupel was on probation after being convicted on two counts of criminal endangerment involving a firearm.
Heupel, 23 years old, has been charged with criminal child endangerment (felony) and the following misdemeanors: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; careless driving; driving with suspended/revoked license; and criminal possession of dangerous drugs.
