Pipe-wielding suspect faces felony charge

A Bigfork man accused of wounding another man with a metal pipe earlier this month is facing multiple charges in Flathead County District Court.  

Prosecutors filed charges of felony assault with a weapon and misdemeanor criminal mischief against Ben William Hatch, 43, following the alleged Aug. 10 attack. Released from the county jail Aug. 13 on his own recognizance, Hatch is expected to appear before Judge Danni Coffman on Aug. 22 for his arraignment.  

The victim told responding Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies that Hatch arrived in front of his Sunset Drive home earlier in the day and had thrown a large metal pipe at him, according to court documents.  

He then disarmed the victim, who had picked up a bat in self-defense, court documents said. Hatch allegedly threw it through the rear window of the victim’s pickup truck causing an estimated $700 in damage.  

Deputies noted that the victim sported a bloody wound to the arm, according to court documents.  

Investigators secured surveillance footage from a nearby property that allegedly captured Hatch throwing the pipe.  

Interviewed by deputies, Hatch allegedly acknowledged driving to the victim’s home that day.  

Felony assault with a weapon is punishable by up to 20 years in Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine. Misdemeanor criminal mischief carries a maximum penalty of six months in the county jail and a fine of $1,500.  

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com.