Whitefish man charged with partner assault, striking police officer

A Whitefish man is being held at the Flathead County Jail following an incident on Sunday that began with alleged family member assault, a Whitefish Police officer being struck by the perpetrator’s vehicle and a high-speed chase.

Court documents indicate Terry Peter Laurance Wyman, 26, of Whitefish, was booked into the jail Sunday, May 3. He has been charged with one felony count of assault on a peace officer and two misdemeanors for partner or family member assault and fleeing or eluding from a peace officer.

According to the charging documents, a woman alleged she had been assaulted by Wyman at a Wisconsin Avenue apartment. Two Whitefish officers responded to the scene, where one officer saw a truck begin to back up. The officer turned on his siren and pulled in behind the truck, which was allegedly being driven by Wyman.

The truck then turned toward the other officer, who had gotten out of his vehicle. The officer signaled for the vehicle to stop, but it kept coming and struck the officer. The officer later described having pain in his wrists, shoulders, neck and back.

Both officers returned to their respective patrol vehicles and pursued Wyman. Another Whitefish officer also joined the chase.

The charging document indicated Wyman drove through Whitefish at a high rate of speed before turning onto U.S. 93 and driving south at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour.

According to a 911 dispatch log, officers from the Montana Highway Patrol and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office joined in the chase and spike strips were used to help stop the truck.

Later, a Whitefish Police officer spoke to the female victim at the apartment. She said she and Wyman had been dating, but were separating. She alleged Wyman was drunk and refused to leave the apartment, and also claimed he had been abusive toward her in the past when he is drunk.

The victim said he grabbed her by the arms to prevent her from calling anyone. She then broke free and ran to her car because she was afraid he would assault her.

Wyman is facing a sentence of two to 10 years in the Montana State Prison on the assault charge and a maximum of two years in jail on the misdemeanors. He is jailed on $40,000 bail. His arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday, May 21, in front of Flathead District Judge Amy Eddy.

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