Man pleads innocent in restaurant incident

Carlos Seeley of Columbia Falls pleaded not guilty to felony charges of assault with a weapon, assault on a peace officer and intimidation Thursday in District Court.

Seeley, 51, faces between two and 42 years in jail and a fine of up to $150,000 if he’s convicted on the charges, which stem from a Sept. 10 incident at the Nite Owl restaurant.

According to court documents, Seeley allegedly brandished a large open knife and a machete and said he was “taking over the place.”

When a Columbia Falls police officer arrived, Seeley allegedly refused to drop the weapons and the officer deployed a Taser, which had no effect.

The officer then grabbed Seeley’s hand and Seeley allegedly swung one of the weapons at the officer, who struck Seeley in the head with the butt of his service weapon.

When the officer struck Seeley, his gun discharged, but the shot did not hit anyone.

Seeley is currently being held in the Flathead County Detention Center. His bond is set at $75,000.