Gun-wielding man gets suspended sentence

A man who admitted pointing a loaded and cocked handgun at three men during a fight outside the Bulldog Pub & Casino in Kalispell has been given a six-year deferred sentence.

Steven Dickinson, 27, became involved in a fight with several people outside the bar after it closed on May 17, 2012.

One victim said that he was taken to the ground during the fight, and when he stood up, Dickinson was pointing the gun at his face.

The second victim said Dickinson said, “I’m going to kill all of you,” while pointing the gun at him before cycling and cocking it. Both he and the third victim hid behind vehicles.

Dickinson threw the gun into some nearby bushes when a Kalispell officer arrived. The officer located and confiscated the gun.

In exchange for Dickinson pleading guilty to felony assault with a weapon, a second charge of felony criminal endangerment was dismissed.

The suspended sentence from District Judge David Ortley also was part of the plea agreement.