Passwater pleads not guilty

Brent Passwater, 47, of Bigfork pleaded not guilty to a pair of felony negligent vehicular assault charges in Flathead District Court on Thursday.

Passwater is alleged to have struck a motorcycle on Montana 83 as its rider attempted to turn left onto Echo Lake Road on July 11.

The rider suffered a broken left foot and his passenger had to have her left leg amputated.

According to a court document, Passwater admitted to Montana Highway Patrol troopers at the scene that he had a drink an hour earlier, but then refused to complete field sobriety or breath alcohol tests. Later analysis of Passwater’s blood indicated his blood alcohol level had been twice the legal limit at the time of the accident.

Passwater was arrested Nov. 26 and released on his own recognizance on Nov. 28 with the stipulation that he wear an alcohol monitoring bracelet.

If convicted of both charges, Passwater faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. He also could be ordered to pay medical expenses incurred by the victims as a result of the accident.

His next hearing is scheduled for April 10, 2013.