Man robbed of cell phone at gunpoint

A Kalispell man has been arrested and charged with several felonies after he allegedly robbed a person and led law enforcement officials on a high-speed chase that started in Columbia Falls.

Conor Larkin McLean, 36, was booked into the Flathead County jail June 25 on felony charges of robbery, theft, criminal mischief, assault with a weapon, endangerment, as well as other misdemeanors.

McLean first allegedly stole an unsecured truck at the city shop that was owned by an employee. He then drove to Burger King, where he allegedly pointed a gun at a person and took their phone, police Chief Clint Peters said.

Officers from the county, Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish and Montana Highway Patrol responded to the area. According to the Sheriff’s Office, when officers attempted to stop the vehicle, McLean fled at a high rate of speed and nearly caused several accidents during the police pursuit as he went down Scholar Road and then Hodgson Road.

The chase ended on Bowdish Road when he drove through a fence and into a field where McLean was apprehended.

McLean was arrested earlier this year after allegedly threatening a law enforcement officer.

According to court documents, deputies were serving a felony warrant May 23 on Flathead Drive in Evergreen. Upon approaching the home, the man being served allegedly attempted to flee the scene.

A deputy came around the side of the house and allegedly saw McLean physically resisting deputies at the back porch area after McLean was asked to exit the home. McLean then reportedly called the deputy a derogatory name and threatened his wife.

McLean has family in Columbia Falls.

Also, McLean took a plea deal earlier this month in a separate case involving a felony burglary charge. In the deal he agreed to plead guilty to lesser charges of misdemeanor theft and trespassing.

Previously, McLean pleaded guilty to felony charges of possessing dangerous drugs and criminal endangerment, according to court documents.