Kalispell man denies strangulation charge

A Kalispell man who was arrested after a standoff May 4 in the Lower Valley area pleaded not guilty recently in court.

Millard Eugene Smith Jr., 36, is accused of one felony count of strangulation of a partner or family member.

According to the affidavit, a Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a report of physical disturbance May 4 on Silver Leaf Drive. A person who wasn’t involved in the dispute reported seeing a man hitting a woman.

The deputy arrived to see a man fleeing the area. He then spoke with the alleged victim, who said Smith had strangled her and pulled her hair when she told him she was leaving. According to the court document, the deputy could see marks on the woman’s neck.

Officers learned that Smith was hiding in a camper near where the incident happened. When he refused to come out, the SWAT team was called in.

According to the court document, Smith reportedly refused to comply with requests and was arrested after officers shot tear gas into the camper.

Officers said they found several large knives and guns inside the camper.

Smith is facing five years in state prison and a $50,000 fine. He was jailed on a $75,000 bond.