Elderly man accused of slashing wife

An elderly Kalispell man has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge after allegedly cutting his wife.

Ronald Eskildsen, 73, entered the plea March 27 in Flathead District Court to the charge of assault with a weapon.

Eskildsen is accused of threatening to kill his wife during an argument on Feb. 27, then grabbing a knife and cutting her arm, leaving a deep gash. His wife told a deputy she was in fear for her life and in severe pain.

He was arrested and incarcerated in the Flathead County Detention Center with bond set at $75,000.

If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in the Montana State Prison and a fine of up to $50,000.

His next hearing is set for July 16.