Assault convict embroiled in three cases

A Kalispell man already charged with felony partner or family member assault in two cases has pleaded not guilty to felony burglary in a new case.

John Bering, 43, allegedly entered his ex-wife’s camper on Sept. 30, 2013, “despite her repeated insistence that he was not welcome there,” according to a court document.

The document alleges he pushed her down onto a bed, striking her on the chest and injuring her wrist and back.

She reportedly got Bering outside the camper, then locked him out and called the police.

He responded that police wouldn’t do anything and that she would be dead before they arrived. He then allegedly fled before being located by Flathead County deputies and arrested.

Bering was allegedly highly intoxicated and agitated at the time of his arrest.

In his other two active cases, Bering is alleged to have assaulted the same woman on Aug. 24 and Nov. 16, 2013. According to court documents, she suffered scratches on her face, left ear, neck and arms, a small cut above her left eye, red marks on her neck and a possible broken arm, as well as losing consciousness in the November incident.

Court documents report Bering has a history of assault. He was convicted of partner or family member assault in February 2000, June 2006 and October 2006 as well as battery on a peace officer in January 2007.

He has also been charged twice with failing to appear in court.

He is currently incarcerated in the Flathead County Detention Center, where his bond is set at $50,000.

His next hearings in each case are set for Feb. 12 in two of the cases and March 5 in the third.