HELENA — Richard Michael Benjamin of Helena was arrested after allegedly leading law enforcement officers on a car chase through Helena, out to Montana City, and eventually ending near the Blue Cross Blue Shield building in Helena.
According to court documents, a Lewis & Clark Sheriff's deputy saw a silver car parked in the driving lane westbound on Custer Avenue.
The deputy followed the car to a parking lot by Buffalo Wild Wings and activated their emergency lights.
The driver - later identified as Benjamin - drove away from the deputy and proceeded to North Sanders Street; the deputy then activated their siren.
Benjamin is accused of then leading law enforcement on a chase through north Helena, reaching speeds of 45 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone.
The chase continued to 11th Avenue, then out to Montana City on I-15, and back to Helena on I-15.
Benjamin then allegedly turned eastbound on Montana Highway 12 before finally being stopped near the intersection of Crossroads Parkway and South Alice Street.
Deputies removed Benjamin from the vehicle and saw several alcoholic beverage containers inside the vehicle.
A passenger in the vehicle told authorities they tried to get him to stop the chase, and was afraid of getting injured.
Benjamin will make his plea in District Court on October 16; bond was set at $25,000.
Benjamin, 20 years old, has been charged with:
- Felony CRIMINAL ENDANGERMENT
- Misdemeanor RECKLESS DRIVING
- Misdemeanor FLEEING FROM OR ELUDING A PEACE OFFICER
- Misdemeanor SPEEDING IN URBAN DISTRICT
- Misdemeanor SPEEDING IN SPECIAL SPEED ZONE
- Misdemeanor UNDERAGE POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL
