Police: Senator flees traffic stop on US Highway 2

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Glacier County authorities say a state senator and Blackfeet tribal leader fled a traffic stop after a deputy smelled alcohol in his vehicle.

Sgt. Judd Milender said in a statement Wednesday a sheriff's deputy responding to a complaint of an erratic driver stopped Sen. Shannon Augare Sunday on U.S. Highway 2.

Milender says Augare appeared to be impaired and the deputy smelled "an overwhelming odor" of alcohol.

Augare allegedly told the deputy he had no jurisdiction to make an arrest.

Milender says Augare drove away as the deputy reached into the vehicle.

The deputy did not pursue Augare and instead notified Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.

It is not clear whether Augare faces tribal charges.

Augare did not return a call for comment. The tribe's legal services office declined to comment.