Driver may face assault charges

A 25-year-old Marion man is in the Flathead County Detention Center after allegedly assaulting a Montana Highway Patrol trooper and threatening to kill his family after being arrested for drunk driving Sunday night.

Jeffrey Ryan Wisz was identified as the driver of a vehicle that crashed on East Lakeshore Drive in Whitefish at about 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

An occupant of the vehicle told a trooper who responded to the scene that he and Wisz had planned to drive up a hill to smoke marijuana. The vehicle slipped out of gear, rolled down the hill and crashed, according to court documents.

The trooper observed sign of intoxication while talking with Wisz and subsequently asked for a breath sample. Wisz’ blood alcohol content registered at .18, more than twice the legal limit.

As he was being placed under arrest, Wisz allegedly slipped his handcuffs from behind his back.

He then allegedly head-butted the trooper and attempted to kick him.

While en route to the detention center, Wisz allegedly screamed at the trooper and threatened to kill him and his family.

Four detention officers were required to take him from the patrol car to the jail, according to court documents.

Though charges had not been filed as of Tuesday afternoon, the Flathead County Attorney’s Office had submitted preliminary paperwork indicating Wisz would be charged with felony assault on a peace officer, felony threats in official matters and misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol.

Wisz would face up to 20 years in prison if convicted on those charges.