Man pleads not guilty in Bigfork stabbing

A man pleaded not guilty to felony weapon assault charges during his arraignment on July 7 in Flathead County District Court.

Christian James Krager, 23, was charged after allegedly stabbing a man four times at 405 Bridge Street in Bigfork on May 28.

A pre-trial conference is set for 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 31. The case is expected to go to trial in the fall.

Deputies arrived at the Bigfork location around 1:30 a.m. on May 28, responding to a disturbance involving a weapon. A deputy observed a man on the ground with a stab wound to his leg.

According to court documents, a witness said Krager came up behind the victim, who had been walking, and stabbed him. Another witness said Krager “came out of the shadows” and “jumped” the victim. The two men fought and ended up on the ground when Krager reportedly pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim.

The deputy spoke to Krager, who admitted he was upset with the victim, had been in an altercation and stabbed the victim, according to court records.

The victim was taken to the hospital, where he told a deputy that Krager “attacked him without warning.” Injuries to the victim’s face, arm and knees were observed along with two stab wounds on his abdomen and two stab wounds on his leg.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.