Suspect pleads not guilty to assaulting pair

A 28-year-old Kalispell man pleaded not guilty to a pair of felony charges Tuesday in Flathead District Court.

Matthew Barrows is charged with felony partner or family member assault and felony criminal endangerment after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, hitting both her and the 11-month-old child she was holding.

Court documents state that when law officers arrived, they were greeted by Barrows’ girlfriend, who had a fresh cut around her eye that was swollen. She was reportedly reluctant to share any information, saying “I can’t be responsible for sending him to prison for life.”

She did tell police Barrows punched her several times and said he was going to kill her, according to court documents, which also state another resident in the home spoke with police.

That person said Barrows hit her at least 10 times, and that one time he hit her he also hit the child. She said she feared for the child’s life, Barrows’ girlfriend’s life and her own life.

Court documents also indicate Barrows has been convicted of misdemeanor partner or family assault on at least two prior occasions and the same charge at a felony level in 2005.

If convicted, Barrows faces between 30 days and 15 years in jail and a fine of between $500 and $100,000.

His next hearing is scheduled for June 13.