Man accused of assaulting, threatening police officers

When Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a possible trespass call on South Fork Drive on Easter Sunday, they found a man who didn’t go quietly.

Vincent Mitchell Stringer, 38, is facing three felony charges, including burglary, and threatening and assaulting an officer.

Stringer faces up to 40 years in the Montana State Prison. He is currently lodged in the Flathead County Detention Center on $100,000 bail. His arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7.

According to court documents, on April 12, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a trespass on South Fork Drive. The building is used to house workers, but was to be vacant at the time of the call.

When deputies arrived at the building a man, later identified as Stringer, and a minor, came out of the front door. When they attempted to put him in a patrol vehicle, Stringer allegedly pushed, pulled and stomped his feet. A U.S. Forest Service officer assisting at the scene felt a tug on his holstered sidearm and saw Stringer with his hand on the gun.

As the struggle continued, one officer used a Taser stun gun on Stinger. The accused then allegedly said he would hunt down the officers and kill their families. When a deputy took Stringer to the Flathead County Detention Center, Stringer allegedly said the deputy’s family would die.

When the property manager arrived at the scene, he said the maintenance room appeared to been tampered with, a wall was spray-painted and a window screen was broken.

Stringer’s identification indicates he is from Omaha, Nebraska, but court documents state he has been living in Martin City.

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