21-year-old accused of threatening girlfriend with gun

Prosecutors have filed a felony charge against a Columbia Falls man accused of beating his girlfriend before threatening to kill her with a gun in a Kalispell shopping plaza earlier this month.

Levi Grayden Petersen, 21, is expected to appear before Judge Amy Eddy in Flathead County District Court for his arraignment on a felony assault with a weapon charge on Nov. 16. Held in the county jail with bail set at $100,000 after his Oct. 14 arrest, Petersen posted bond Oct. 19.

Kalispell Police officers spoke with the victim after responding to a report of an assault in the Hutton Ranch area about 1:49 p.m., court documents said. She told officers that a disagreement in her car turned violent, accusing Petersen of hitting her in the head and legs.

Petersen, who had a handgun in his bag, warned the victim against contacting authorities, court documents said.

“You call 911 and I will kill you,” he allegedly said while unzipping his bag and putting his hand on the gun.

Following the alleged threat, Petersen took off on foot. When officers found him, they also recovered a 9 mm Glock handgun, court documents said.

Assault with a weapon is punishable by up to 20 years in Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine.