Kalispell man accused assaulting woman, stealing her vehicle

A Kalispell man is accused of breaking a woman’s arm and then stealing her vehicle.

Nathan Lee James, 33, is facing felony charges of aggravated assault, criminal drug possession and misdemeanor theft following the alleged incident Jan. 10.

He is being held on $50,000 bail in the Flathead County Detention Center.

Charging documents indicate James, the woman’s ex-boyfriend, entered her home. After she told him to leave and he refused, they argued and James allegedly struck her and broke her arm.

She alleged he then pushed her down and kicked her before taking her vehicle. She said she was in a lot of pain and went in and out of consciousness during the day before she called a friend who helped get her to the hospital.

Two days later, a Flathead County Sheriff’s deputy pulled into a gas station lot when he saw the stolen vehicle. When James came out of the store he was arrested.

James was taken to the jail and while being searched, a detention officer allegedly found two small bags with a white crystal substance in them. The substance was believed to be methamphetamine and was sent to the Montana State Crime Lab for testing.

James pleaded not guilty in court Jan. 28. A pretrial hearing is set for March 10.

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