GREAT FALLS — Jeffrey Adam Neely has been charged in Great Falls after he allegedly kidnapped a woman and led law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase.
On Thursday afternoon, a Cascade County Sheriff's deputy responded to the area of US Highway 89 and Stockett Road for a report of a disturbance. The victim stated that during an altercation with Neely, he would not let her get out of his vehicle and began driving in excess of 100 miles per hour. The victim said that Neely grabbed her neck and pulled her hair, causing her pain.
Court documents say that Neely's vehicle was seen near the DPHHS building along the 2300 block of 13th Avenue South. A witness saw the victim get out of the vehicle and run toward the building. During this, the witness stated they believed that Neely was trying to run the victim over with the vehicle. The witness indicated that Neely circled the parking lot and accelerated toward the victim with the vehicle. The witness ushered the victim to safety inside the building
The Sheriff's deputy found Neely in his vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. Neely ignored the emergency lights and drove away, failing to stop at a stop sign and nearly hitting another vehicle.
Neeley continued south, and an affidavit states that "it was evident the defendant was attempting to flee in the vehicle." Neely came to a stop at 20 Eden Park Lane and failed to comply with several verbal commands. He was ultimately taken into custody after a Taser was deployed by an assisting agency.
Neely told officers that he picked up the victim earlier in the day, and they stopped at a gas station, bought alcoholic beverages, and went for a drive at the victim's request. He said the argument started after she went through his phone. Neely denied assaulting the victim, and denied trying to run her over. He admitted to seeing the patrol car's emergency lights and hearing the siren but decided to continue driving.
The victim had small abrasions behind her right ear and red marks on her throat below her chin.
Neely has been charged with the following:
- KIDNAPPING Felony
- ASSAULT WITH A WEAPON (felony)
- PARTNER/FAMILY MEMBER ASSAULT (3rd, felony)
- CRIMINAL ENDANGERMENT (felony)
- OBSTRUCTING A PEACE OFFICER (misdemeanor)
- FLEEING A PEACE OFFICER (misdemeanor)
According to the Montana Department of Corrections, Neely has convictions in Cascade County for partner/family assault, criminal distribution of dangerous drugs, tampering with witnesses or informants, persistent felony offender for partner/family member assault; and in Missoula County for partner/family member assault.
