Dispute sends man to prison for 10 years

A 46-year-old Lakeside man was finally sentenced Thursday in Flathead District Court after several continuances and an extension.

Micheal Ray Jackson was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 10 years of probation after previously pleading guilty to felony criminal endangerment.

He was originally charged with two felony counts of assault with a weapon and two misdemeanor charges of criminal mischief.

According to a court document, 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.

The sentencing hearing was continued in June, July, August and October and one extension was also granted during that time.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at jdavis@dailyinterlake.com.