Lakeside man, 46, charged

The Daily Inter Lake

A Lakeside man was to appear late Tuesday afternoon in Justice Court on a charge of felony partner assault stemming from a weekend incident at his home.

Darryl James Rowe, 46, had been held in the Flathead County jail since deputies arrested him after he allegedly beat and tried to smother his ex-wife early Saturday morning.

Deputy County Attorney Tammi Fisher said she recommended Rowe's bail be set at $50,000. Justice of the Peace David Ortley will determine the bail amount.

Sheriff Mike Meehan said a neighbor reported a disturbance at about 3:30 a.m. Saturday at Rowe's home on Stoner Creek Road. When deputies arrived, he said they found Margaret Watkins, 54, bleeding from serious head wounds. She had other injuries, as well. Rowe also had used a pillow in an attempt to smother her, Meehan said.

Watkins was treated at Kalispell Regional Medical Center and later released, the sheriff said.

Fisher said Rowe had scratches on his face, apparently from the altercation.

Watkins reportedly had obtained a temporary restraining order against Rowe. But, Fisher said, Watkins had searched for Rowe that night and eventually went into his house and fell asleep on the couch. When he returned home, a fight ensued.

Meehan and Fisher said Rowe originally was charged with attempted deliberate homicide, but the charge was reduced Tuesday morning to felony partner assault.

Fisher said she is continuing her work on the case.