Col. Falls woman pleads not guilty to assault on officer

A Columbia Falls woman who reportedly raised a gun at a deputy in June pleaded not guilty to a charge of felony assault on a peace officer at Flathead District Court Thursday, July 20.

Lisa Marie Decker, 34, was released on $25,000 bail according to court documents filed on July 15.

Two officers responded to a call for a welfare check at Jellison Road residence on the night of June 27 after a man told officers he allegedly received text messages from Decker indicating “suicidal ideation.” The officers entered the home and Decker reportedly told them that she was distraught about the state of her marriage, but denied having suicidal thoughts according to documents filed with the court on June 29.

At one point in the conversation, Decker allegedly left to use the restroom, leaving the presence of one of the officers. Upon Decker’s return, the officer described her demeanor as “changed.” Decker allegedly told the deputy she had a gun in her hand. The deputy observed a pistol in Decker’s right hand, which she reportedly raised from waist level advancing toward him court documents stated. Concerned for his life, the deputy is said to have retreated toward an exit and fired a round from his duty pistol into a false wall of the residence. The two deputies reportedly exited the house, taking cover outside. The incident ended with Decker’s eventual surrender and arrest.

Following the arrest, one of the deputies found a silver handgun inside the residence. According to court documents the handgun reportedly contained two live rounds in the cylinder.

If convicted, Decker could face between two to 10 years at Montana State Prison and a maximum fine of $50,000.

A trial is set at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 27.

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