Alleged gas station beating nets man felony charge

Prosecutors have brought a 20-year-old up on a felony charge for leaving a man hospitalized after an alleged beating at an Evergreen gas station last month.  

Tyler Craig Arterburn faces one count of aggravated assault following the July 20 attack at the Montana 35 business. He is expected to appear before Judge Amy Eddy in Flathead County District Court on Aug. 8 for his arraignment on the felony charge.  

Arterburn remains in the county jail with bail set at $100,000.  

Surveillance footage of the attack reviewed by investigators showed the victim enter the gas station and speak with a cashier when Arterburn intervened, according to court documents. The video allegedly captures the victim raising his hands, palms open, and walking away from Arterburn. 

Arterburn is shown following the victim "in an aggressive manner with fists balled," court documents said. After yelling at him, Arterburn allegedly began throwing punches, landing one on the victim's face.  

Though the victim pushed Arterburn away, the 20-year-old tackled him, knocking his head against the drink fridge, court documents said. Arterburn allegedly continued to punch the victim, who had by then gone limp on the ground. 

The video reportedly showed Arterburn heading for the exit, but not before turning around and stomping on the victim's head, according to court documents. 

A witness told responding Flathead County Sheriff's Office deputies that Arterburn appeared intoxicated and was talking to himself before the attack, court documents said. The witness said Arterburn was trying to instigate a fight with the victim prior to the attack, court documents alleged.  

Deputies found the bloodied victim still on the ground near the drink fridge, moaning and sporting open wounds on the right side of his face, according to court documents. During a follow up interview in a hospital emergency room, the victim told investigators he had no memory of the alleged attack. Arriving at the gas station was the last thing he remembered, according to court documents.  

Deputies found Arterburn in a vehicle near the gas station. He allegedly admitted to getting into a fight.  

Felony aggravated assault is punishable by up to 20 years in Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine.