Motorist accused of pulling gun after traffic collision

A 38-year-old facing a felony charge for pulling a gun on another motorist during a fender-bender allegedly told investigators he did it because he was angry. 

Prosecutors brought Johnathan Patrick August Darling of Kalispell up on a single count of assault with a weapon for his role in the Aug. 12 confrontation. Booked into the county jail, Darling secured a $40,000 bond on Aug. 15.  

Darling was expected to appear before Judge Amy Eddy in Flathead County District Court on Thursday for his arraignment.  

Prosecutors alleged that Darling was behind the wheel of a green Ford Explorer that rear-ended a 1999 Toyota Corolla on Conrad Drive shortly before 4:45 p.m. Darling and the passenger in the Corolla both exited their vehicles after the collision, according to court documents.  

That passenger later told responding Flathead County Sheriff's Office deputies that Darling approached and drew a handgun, court documents said.  

Yelling, Darling allegedly brought the handgun up to bear on the passenger. Then he turned and fled, court documents said.  

Deputies tracked Darling down at the intersection of North Main Street and West Center Street in Kalispell. During subsequent questioning, Darling allegedly admitted to crashing into the Corolla and getting out of his Explorer armed with his gun.  

Darling told deputies that he "put one in the chamber" while approaching the other vehicle, according to court documents. He allegedly denied pointing the gun at anyone.   

Darling told deputies his reaction to the collision were a result of him being angry, according to court documents. 

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

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