Man accused of firing gun during argument receives deferred sentence

A man accused of firing a gun during a dispute over a water pump near Kila in 2024 received a deferred sentence earlier this year.  

Prosecutors initially charged Donald James Hanson, 75, with felony assault with a weapon following the June 2024 confrontation at a U.S. 2 property. Hanson maintained his innocence at his arraignment in Flathead County District Court that same month, but took a plea deal in January of this year. 

In exchange for seeing the charge amended to felony criminal endangerment, Hanson entered a guilty plea before Judge Dan Wilson on Jan. 30. As per the deal, prosecutors agreed to recommend he receive a one-year deferred sentence.  

Appearing before Wilson on March 20, though, Hanson received a three-year deferred sentence. Wilson also denied a request for restitution in the case.  

Flathead County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested Hanson on June 14 after the victim in the case accused Hanson of leveling a .22 rifle at him and pulling the trigger, according to court documents. The victim said the bullet passed close enough to make him afraid for his life, court documents said.  

Hanson allegedly told investigators the two had argued over the victim's use of the water pump and admitted to fetching the gun. He said he never aimed the weapon but acknowledged firing it in the hopes of scaring the victim, according to court documents. 

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