Man pleads innocent to assault on police officer

A 38-year-old Kalispell man pleaded not guilty to felony assault on a peace officer and two other charges Thursday in Flathead District Court.

According to court documents, Robert Price was approached by police March 25 on Eighth Avenue in Kalispell after he was reported as disorderly. When officers responded, they located Price running toward an intersection, waving his arms in the air.

Price, covered in his own blood, then allegedly ran at an officer as he exited his vehicle and began to punch the officer in the head. Once the officer was able to push him away, Price reportedly took a fighting stance and tried again to fight.

The officer used his Taser on Price and tried to handcuff him, but Price reportedly began kicking his legs and trying to roll away. He continued to flail and scream profanities until officers used Tasers on him three times to get him under control.

After the confrontation, the first officer had Price’s blood on his head, face, hands and uniform because of the blood already covering Price’s body at the time. The officer’s nose was also injured.

In addition to assault on a peace officer, Price is charged with misdemeanor resisting arrest and misdemeanor assault with bodily fluid. If convicted, he faces between two and 11 and a half years in jail and a fine of up to $5,150.

His next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 29.