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Whitefish resident says truck illegally occupied two handicap spaces; police say citation should have been issued
Summary
A visitor from Bigfork presented photos showing a pickup truck parked without a placard in a pair of designated handicap stalls at the Whitefish Lake restaurant. Police acknowledged a report was filed and the chief said an officer should have issued a citation and staff will follow up.
Henry Wilkes, a Bigfork resident, told the Whitefish City Council on June 16 that a pickup truck parked without a disability placard blocked two handicapped parking spaces at the Whitefish Lake restaurant on the night of his visit.
Wilkes said he photographed the truck and reported the incident. “There is a truck parked in a handicap spot and is not only parked in a handicap spot but is blocking another handicap spot,” he told the council, and said he later spoke to an officer who said there was confusion about whether the city could enforce placard violations on private property.
The issue prompted a response from Bridger Couch, Whitefish chief of police, who told the council, “The citation should have been issued. The officer should respond and issue a citation for that.” Couch said an incident report was filed and that officers have tried to reach the registered owner.
Wilkes asked the council to follow up and said he would like to know whether the officer named “Tim” filed a report and whether the truck’s owner had been contacted. Couch said staff would continue to follow up with the registered owner.
Council members and an audience member noted an option for residents to file a citizen’s complaint when they feel an immediate enforcement response was not adequate. The council did not take formal action; the police chief said he would take the photo evidence and report to department staff for follow-up.
Why it matters: Disabled parking is regulated by state law and local regulations; enforcement questions and inconsistent response can leave mobility-impaired visitors unable to access businesses. The chief’s acknowledgement that a citation should have been issued signals the city will continue to investigate and may revise internal response guidance.
What’s next: Chief Couch said the department would continue attempts to contact the vehicle’s registered owner and that there is a report on file. The complainant was advised he may also file a citizen’s complaint if he is dissatisfied with the department’s follow-up.
