Man faces felony charges for bar incident

Kalispell police officers arrested Zachariha Dawson, 34, Kalispell, after he allegedly tried to run down one or more people in the parking lot of Paddy’s Touchdown Lounge Thursday evening.

According to a press release from the Kalispell Police Department, officers responded to a report of the action at 8:05 p.m. As they were responding, they received another report of a two-vehicle accident at North Meridian Road and West Idaho Street involving the same vehicle.

Court documents state that Dawson had left Paddy’s and ran a red light at the intersection at a high rate of speed, hitting a vehicle waiting to turn left. He then got out and ran toward the car wash.

With the help of a witness, officers found Dawson exiting a swampy area. An officer had to use force to detain Dawson, who then swung his arms up and over his head while handcuffed and attempted to run again, but was stopped.

Dawson was transported to the Kalispell Regional Medical Center due to injuries he sustained in the accident and was cleared medically. According to court documents, he continued to be combative and uncooperative with officers and medical staff, even trying to bite a nurse.

A bartender at Paddy’s told police he had escorted Dawson out of the bar earlier that evening after he was cut off and continued to cause problems.

The bartender and a poker dealer were outside when they allegedly saw Dawson make sexual advances toward a young woman. When those advances were denied, Dawson allegedly sped toward all three, who dove out of the way. Each told police if they hadn’t moved, they probably would have been killed.

Two adult victims from the accident also were taken to the hospital by friends, where they were treated and released.

Dawson has been charged with felony assault with a weapon and two counts of felony criminal endangerment. If convicted on all charges, he faces up to 40 years in jail and a fine of up to $150,000.

Kalispell police are continuing to investigate both incidents.