Man arrested following armed standoff in Marion

A standoff between a Flathead County man and the county Sheriff’s Office ended peacefully when he surrendered to deputies Tuesday afternoon.

According to information from Sheriff Chuck Curry, John Anthony Evangelestomp, 52, allegedly fired a handgun at his wife as she was leaving the residence and also in the direction of a pastor who was there speaking with them. Neither person was struck by gunfire.

The incident occurred outside the home.

In the news release, Curry said Evangelestomp went inside the residence and was allegedly armed with several weapons.

The county SWAT team and Sheriff’s Office negotiators responded.

The release indicated negotiators were able to speak to Evangelestomp and got him to come out of the residence unarmed. He was taken into custody without incident.

Curry said Evangelestomp was taken to the county jail was being held pending the filing of formal felony charges.