Man denies charge in C. Falls road-rage case

A Columbia Falls man alleged to have attacked another man who followed him home in a fit of road rage pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to felony assault with a weapon.

According to a court document, the victim told police he was driving down Columbia Falls Stage Road when he was flipped off by Joshua Darling. The victim then turned around and followed Darling to his Trap Road home and began to get out of his truck.

Darling, 27, then allegedly grabbed a metal pipe and broke out the windows to the victim’s vehicle before striking the victim in the arm. The victim then drew a handgun in self-defense but did not pull the trigger. 

The court document also calls into question Darling’s account of the incident, although it did not include that explanation. It does state that Darling’s father also was interviewed as he witnessed most of the altercation.

“Darling’s version of events was questionable, as the evidence and witness statements did not corroborate what Darling claimed to have happened,” it states.

If convicted, Darling faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. He is currently released after posting a $10,000 bond.

His next hearing is set for May 8.