Man pleads innocent to escape charges

A 23-year-old Missoula man was arraigned Thursday on charges stemming from his attempt to escape from custody during a Dec. 22 hearing in Flathead District Court.

Jonathan Graves pleaded not guilty to felony charges of assault on a peace officer resulting in bodily injury, assault on a peace officer with reasonable apprehension of bodily injury and attempted escape, as well as a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest.

He faces between four and 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,500 if convicted on all charges.

Graves is accused of assaulting a courtroom security officer during his attempt to escape the court building.

His escape bid was thwarted when a Montana Highway Patrol trooper, along with a civilian, confronted Graves, giving security enough time to deploy a Taser and recapture him.

Graves was in court Dec. 22 for a case in which Graves is charged with theft and burglary.

Graves later pleaded not guilty to the two felony charges, which could land him in prison for up to 30 years if he is convicted of both.

In court Thursday, a second misdemeanor charge of fleeing from or eluding police attached to his escape attempt was dismissed, since it was supposed to be attached to Graves’ theft case.

Deputy County Attorney Alison Howard said the charge will be brought back in the proper case through an amended filing.

Graves’ next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 15.