Suspect denies hammer assault

Law officers say that a Lakeside man asked a child to grab a hammer for him to strike a woman during an alleged assault.

Grant Edward Rodgers, 38, pleaded not guilty to felony counts of accountability to assault with a weapon and criminal endangerment Thursday in Flathead County District Court.

Deputies with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office met with a woman on May 14. After she came to the house that evening, she said, Rodgers told her, “You are going to die, [expletive].”

According to court documents, Rodgers allegedly tried to throw the woman down a spiral staircase. She then ran down the stairs and Rodgers followed.

He allegedly grabbed her by the head and slammed her face into a door frame, according to court documents, and hit her several times after that.

During the alleged assault, police say Rodgers asked a child to bring him a hammer. He allegedly struck the woman several times with it.

Deputies noted that the woman had a bloody nose and a large lump on her forehead.

Rodgers could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

He was previously released on $50,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 22.

Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailyinterlake.com.