Deputy uses multiple Taser jolts to subdue man

A North Valley man was arrested Tuesday night after a chase and shrugging off several shots from a Taser gun.

"This guy is tough," said sheriff's deputy Rod Vestre.

The Flathead County Sheriff's Office was called earlier in the evening by a woman who said Charles Pyles, 43, had violated an order of protection by coming to her house. He was in a rage, she said.

Pyles reportedly left and returned to the Burke Lane home several times, missing sheriff's deputies who were looking for him.

At about 9 p.m., Vestre caught up with Pyles near Rogers Road and Montana 206. Vestre discovered Pyles' empty truck and saw him walking in a ditch.

When Pyles turned to face Vestre, his hands were behind his back, causing Vestre to draw his gun.

When Pyles finally revealed that he was unarmed, Vestre ordered him to the ground, but Pyles wouldn't comply. When Pyles became increasingly agitated and angry, Vestre warned him and then shot him with a Taser gun.

"He ripped the prongs off his chest," Vestre said, unfazed by the electrical jolt. Vestre called for police backup, and Pyles ran for his truck, he said.

Vestre chased down Pyles and pinned him to the ground. Again, Vestre zapped Pyles with his Taser gun, holding it against Pyles.

Deputy Jim Browder arrived and delivered a high-powered jolt to Pyles' back, finally subduing him.

Pyles was charged with violating the protection order and with resisting arrest.