Kalispell man jailed on domestic assault charge

A man accused of punching his wife in front of their two children has been returned to jail after authorities said he violated his bond conditions.

Travis Lee Dass, 44, was booked into the Flathead County Detention Center Tuesday after he allegedly threatened his wife by phone and text messages, according to an Aug. 13 court document.

Dass is being held on $100,000 bail.

According to the court document detailing the charge, Kalispell Police officers were called to a residence July 13 after neighbors saw the woman and her two young children standing next to a van when Dass allegedly hit her twice with his fist.

Dass allegedly said he pushed the woman in self-defense. She told officers she was hit by Dass and was afraid of him.

The charging document indicates Dass had two prior convictions for partner or family member assault in 2000.

Dass, through his Flathead County Public Defender William Managhan, also filed a brief Aug. 5 indicating he would argue self-defense.

He faces a minimum term of 30 days to a maximum of five years confinement. If he is sentenced to more than one year imprisonment, he would go the Montana State Prison, otherwise it would be in the county jail.

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