Lakeside man pleads innocent to 4 charges

A 45-year-old Lakeside man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to several charges related to a Nov. 18 incident in which he pointed a gun at his ex-girlfriend.

Micheal Jackson is charged with two felony counts of assault with a weapon and two misdemeanor charges of criminal mischief.

According to charging documents, after Jackson’s girlfriend broke up with him, he sent her a text message that said “game on,” then showed up at her house. He then pulled her hair and broke the mirror on the passenger side of her car.

After telling her “you’re not going anywhere,” he slashed the front driver’s side tire on her car, then used his vehicle to push it toward the house while yelling “it’s on.” Jackson then pointed a rifle at the woman’s friend, who hid behind a tree while the woman dove into the house and called 911.

Jackson also allegedly struck the other woman’s van with his vehicle.

If convicted on all charges, Jackson could face up to 41 years in prison and a fine of up to $102,000.

His next hearing is scheduled for April 11.