Man arrested after Lower Valley standoff

A Kalispell man was arrested after an hours-long standoff Friday evening in the Lower Valley area.

According to a news release from Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry, Ronald Millard Smith, 36, had allegedly barricaded himself in a small camper trailer at a Silverleaf Drive home after patrol units responded to a report of partner/family member assault.

According to the release, officers found the man and a female victim outside of the residence when they arrived. According to officers, Smith. then allegedly ran inside the home, out the back door and entered the camper parked outside. The victim reportedly told officers that there were several weapons inside the camper.

After attempting to negotiate with Smith for about an hour, the SWAT team was requested. A perimeter was established and the negotiators tried to speak with Smith Jr., but without success.

At about 9:30 p.m., a wooden bullet was fired in an attempt to get a response, followed by tear gas.

According to report, Smith exited the trailer within 30 seconds of the tear gas and was taken into custody.

Smith was taken to Kalispell Regional Medical Center by ambulance where he was cleared and released to the jail.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Smith was arrested on a $25,000 warrant and reports were referred to the county attorney for charges related to the alleged assault.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.