Suspect pleads not guilty to assault on deputy

A Kalispell man has pleaded not guilty to a pair of felony charges after allegedly assaulting a deputy last month.

Caleb Buzzell, 24, is charged in Flathead District Court with assault on a peace officer and criminal possession of dangerous drugs following the Aug. 9 incident.

A court document says a woman reported she had gotten into an argument with her fiance, Buzzell, at a U.S. 2 East gas station, and that she asked the clerk to call for police, at which point Buzzell reportedly fled. 

While a deputy was talking to the woman, a witness reported Buzzell was hiding on the other side of the parking lot.

Buzzell allegedly lied to the officer initially, saying his name was Chris. Once he was identified by a witness, Buzzell allegedly ran away, and the deputy gave chase.

When the deputy grabbed Buzzell’s wrist, Buzzell allegedly pulled away and grabbed the deputy’s shirt sleeve, ripping it free from the shirt, then charged the deputy, striking him in the face and causing them both to fall.

A witness then reportedly intervened and helped restrain Buzzell, who was handcuffed and placed in a patrol car.

The deputy sustained an injury to his thumb during the altercation.

The court document goes on to allege that Buzzell had a baggie containing suspected marijuana and acetaminophen/hydrocodone pills.

Buzzell is currently released after posting a $10,000 bond.

If convicted of both charges, he faces between two and 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

His next hearing is set for Dec. 4.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at jdavis@dailyinterlake.com.