Transient charged with allegedly using bear spray on baby

A transient man is behind bars after he allegedly used bear spray on a family of four — including a baby — during a recent incident at a Kalispell residence.

According to information from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Eli K. Tollie, 42, was booked into the county jail the night of Saturday, Oct. 10, on charges of assault on a minor and criminal endangerment.

Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at the home located on McMannamy Draw at 5 p.m. after responding to a call about a disturbance with a weapon.

After investigating, deputies determined Tollie allegedly threatened to kill everyone present, then discharged a can of bear spray at the victims, affecting two adult victims, a juvenile female and an infant.

Medics were called to the scene as the infant and others present were directly hit with the bear spray or were having respiratory problems as a result of the bear spray.

All the victims were treated at the scene.

Tollie was medically cleared at Kalispell Regional Medical Center prior to being booked into the Flathead County Detention Center.

Tollie has criminal history in Washington. In 2003, he was charged with forgery and pleaded guilty in 2005.

Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 406-758-4441 or at sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.