Man accused of assaulting, injuring local jail guards

Four Flathead County Detention Center officers were taken to area hospitals after an alleged fight with a man who was jailed Thursday morning.

According to Sheriff Brian Heino, Devon Joel Morris, 25, was brought to the jail by Kalispell Police officers after he allegedly caused a disturbance at an area grocery store.

The man was placed in a cell and he then began destroying a bed mattress, according to Heino.

When detention officers attempted to stop the man, he allegedly used the mattress to push his way out of the cell and a violent exchange occurred.

Heino said six officers were involved and had to use a Taser on the man before he was brought under control.

Four of the officers and Morris were taken to hospitals for treatment of their injuries. One officer suffered a concussion and facial injuries

“Our detention officers are kind of the hidden, unsung members of the department,” Heino said. “With more than 100 inmates, there is always the chance for them to be injured. Fortunately, incidents such as this one don’t happen often.”

Morris has faced criminal charges in the past.

In 2012, he was charged with accountability to burglary and theft in Missoula County. According to Montana Department of Corrections information, Morris was sentenced to 10 years.

In 2016, Morris was charged with burglary in Lewis and Clark County. He received a seven-year sentence after stealing more than 80 knives.

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