Man denies knife assault on family member

A Columbia Falls man has denied allegations that he assaulted and injured a family member with a knife before allegedly leading officers on a manhunt in May.

Charged with felony assault with a weapon, Wayne Armstrong, 28, pleaded not guilty in Flathead District Court on June 29.

Following the alleged assault, Armstrong reportedly ran out the back door of the Columbia Falls residence just before authorities arrived late at night on May 22, according to Columbia Falls Police Chief Clint Peters.

Upon arrival, officers noticed fresh wounds to the alleged victim, who was bleeding from the nose and mouth, according to court documents.

The victim stated Armstrong had attacked with two kitchen knives, saying he intended to kill and injure the victim. Other witnesses in the home at the time of the alleged assault corroborated the victim’s story.

Authorities found two bloody kitchen knives in the kitchen, but were unable to locate Armstrong.

A five-hour manhunt involving three agencies ensued before Armstrong’s father allegedly handed him over at the Columbia Falls Police station early the next morning.

According to Peters, the injured victim did not require hospitalization.

“All that searching, and then he was brought to our back door,” Peters said.

Armstrong is scheduled to stand trial Sept. 11.

If convicted, he 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.