Man denies assault with lawn ornament

A Kalispell man is dening accusations that he beat his partner with a lawn ornament.

Christian Matthew Close, 20, pleaded not guilty to assault with a weapon in Flathead District Court on April 20.

According to an April 8 police report, Kalispell officers responded to a residence for a report of a male “whipping” a female with an unknown object.

Upon arrival, officers stated Close began yelling and swearing and had to be handcuffed while they investigated.

According to a witness statement, Close had shown up uninvited to a residence where his girlfriend was and allegedly threw her into a metal stand inside the house.

Close allegedly began trying to fight the witnesses who were attempting to remove him from the home.

According to a statement from the alleged victim, the couple had gotten into an argument that turned physical. When she tried to leave the location, Close allegedly threw her to the ground and began whipping her on the back with a metal object before punching her in the face.

Responding officers noted multiple visible injuries on the alleged victim including several red welts on her back and swelling and redness to her face.

According to court documents, officers found a metal lawn ornament made of stiff wire consistent with the injuries on the alleged victim’s back.

A trial has been set for Oct. 10. If convicted, Close could face up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $50,000.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.