Man arrested in attack on woman

The Daily Inter Lake

Flathead County Sheriff's deputies arrested a 43-year-old man charged with kidnapping, criminal endangerment, and obstructing justice early Wednesday morning.

Steven Bruce Eskra, 43, is being held on $50,000 bail in the Flathead County Detention Center.

Sheriff's deputies said the charges stem from an incident that reportedly occurred on Twin Acres Road in February.

Eskra allegedly got into a fight with his girlfriend over money, grabbed her by the arm, and swung her around until she hit her head. According to reports, she suffered a 4-inch gash on her left temple.

Eskra then allegedly took the woman's cell phone, but she was able to get away and use the phone at a nearby bar.

Eskra was arrested that night for partner assault, but those charges were dismissed without prejudice, allowing the Flathead County Attorney's Office to recharge him with kidnapping, criminal endangerment and obstructing justice, all felonies.

Eskra told deputies that the woman hurt herself after falling down while drunk, but when he was arrested in February they found two cell phones in his pockets.

Eskra's arrest record shows he has been in jail several times.