Man denies weapon, drug charges

A 36-year-old Kalispell man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to felony assault with a weapon and misdemeanor charges of possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

According to a court document, Christopher Morris was reported by his mother for threatening her with a gun at her home on Nov. 12. The woman reportedly said Morris told her brother he would shoot him with a 9-millimeter handgun, pulling his shirt back to display the gun and cocking it.

Her brother left to get another gun because they were in fear for their lives.

Another 911 call was made about two hours later, stating that Morris was back and had a weapon. The court document states that a deputy approaching the home saw the woman sitting at the table, a young man standing at the kitchen sink, a man laying down in the living room and another man, identified as Morris, standing in front of his mother yelling at her.

Morris then allegedly pulled a knife out of his pocket, cut his coat pocket apart, revealing a small handgun in a black case, then began swinging the gun around in the holster before putting it in the front waistband of his pants. At that point, the woman’s brother left the home.

Morris allegedly removed the gun from his pants and kept switching it from hand to hand before pointing it, while holstered, toward where his mother was sitting. He eventually came outside, and once he was far enough away from the home he was confronted by deputies.

It allegedly took several commands from deputies before Morris dropped the gun, which was found to have a full six-round magazine but no round in the chamber. There was a full magazine attached to the holster.

During booking, Morris was allegedly found to have a small bag of marijuana and a marijuana pipe with residue in his pocket.

If convicted of all charges, Morris faces up to 20 years in prison, one year in county jail and a fine of up to $51,000. His next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 13, 2013.

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