Mother faces felony charge for allegedly driving under the influence with child in the car

A Kalispell woman faces serious charges after allegedly driving under the influence of multiple substances while transporting her young child last fall. Prosecutors charged 30-year-old Shawna Jade Black with felony criminal child endangerment following an October 3 collision on Two Mile Drive. She is set to appear before Judge Dan Wilson in Flathead County District Court for her arraignment.

The incident was reported by a local resident who noticed a red car moving perilously close to her own vehicle. After seeing Black seemingly unconscious behind the wheel, the witness attempted to alert her through yelling and waving but received no response. The car eventually veered off course and collided with the resident’s van.

Once the vehicle came to a halt, the witness checked on Black and her child, finding both to be unharmed. Black regained consciousness shortly after the impact, but authorities discovered a compressed-gas spray can typically used for dust removal inside the vehicle. Officers who arrived on the scene noted Black’s bloodshot eyes and, later, her consent to a blood test and field sobriety examination, both of which indicated impairment.

Laboratory results revealed the presence of fentanyl, methadone, and difluoroethane in Black's blood, substances known for their intoxicating effects. Black reportedly informed officers of a medical condition causing her loss of consciousness and claimed she had recently transitioned from regular fentanyl use to methadone maintenance.

If found guilty, Shawna Jade Black could face up to 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. Following the incident, her child was released to a relative with Black's consent, and she declined medical treatment at the scene.