Man denies wielding gun outside local bar

A 29-year-old Kalispell man accused of pulling a gun on two men outside Paddy’s Touchdown Lounge pleaded not guilty to felony assault with a weapon Thursday in Flathead District Court.

According to court documents, Andrew Peterson confronted two men March 16 in the parking lot of the bar. Peterson allegedly pulled a handgun out of his backpack, pulled the slide back and pointed it at one of the men.

Court documents state that the two men then jumped Peterson and were able to get the gun away from him, at which point he fled, leaving the gun and his backpack behind.

The men took the backpack and the gun to the bartender, who emptied the gun and removed the loaded magazine.

Peterson’s driver’s license reportedly was found in the backpack.

When later taken into custody, Peterson allegedly admitted taking the gun out of his backpack but denied brandishing it at the two men.

If convicted, Peterson faces up to 20 years in jail and a fine of up to $50,000. His next hearing is scheduled for April 11.