Man admitted to pulling knife during Kalispell fight, court docs say

A man who allegedly admitted to pulling a knife on another man during a fight on Merganser Drive in Kalispell earlier this month is facing multiple felony charges.  

Prosecutors filed counts of assault with a weapon and criminal possession of dangerous drugs against Darrell William Rapien, 51, in Flathead County District Court in connection with the June 12 confrontation. Appearing before Judge Heidi Ulbricht for his arraignment on June 19, Rapien entered not guilty pleas.  

Kalispell Police officers arrested Rapien after responding to a report of a fight about 4:08 p.m., according to court documents. The victim said he came face-to-face with Rapien after hearing banging on the garage door and yelling. Going outside, he saw Rapien allegedly kicking the garage door and told him to leave.  

Rapien allegedly punched him instead. Then he pulled out a switchblade or pocketknife and began swinging it around, court documents said.  

Speaking with officers, Rapien allegedly acknowledged kicking the garage door and coming to blows with the victim, which he described as "two idiots" fighting. He also admitted to pulling out the knife, court documents said.  

In Rapien's retelling, he was tired of people taking his property. He said he told the victim to stay away after pulling out the knife, according to court documents.  

Authorities secured a knife from Rapien before arresting him, court documents alleged. During a search of his backpack, investigators allegedly found a plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine.  

An omnibus hearing in Rapien's felony case is set for July 16 with a pretrial conference to follow on Aug. 6.  

Assault with a weapon is punishable by up to 20 years in the Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine. Criminal possession of dangerous drugs carries a maximum penalty of five years behind bars and a $5,000 fine.