Suspect pleads not guilty to trying to shoot man in head

A 43-year-old Whitefish man pleaded not guilty to felony assault with a weapon Thursday in Flathead District Court after allegedly attempting to shoot another man in the head.

According to court documents, Scott Chapman got into a fight with another man on June 12, 2011. During the fight, Chapman allegedly pulled out a gun, held it against the man’s forehead and pulled the trigger, but the gun misfired.

Court documents state that while Chapman tried to work the slide on the gun, the victim was able to tackle him and retrieve the gun. Officers found a gun at the scene as well as one live round, but Chapman was not there.

Chapman later reportedly refused to provide a statement when contacted by police.

If convicted, Chapman faces up to 20 years in jail and a fine of up to $50,000. His next hearing is scheduled for June 13.