Man charged for allegedly pulling gun during argument receives deferred sentence

A 23-year-old accused of pulling a gun on a man during an argument in Kalispell last spring received a deferred three-year sentence last month.  

Jay Ryan Kaufman faced a felony assault with a weapon charge in Flathead County District Court in connection with the May 9 confrontation on Fourth Avenue West. Although he maintained his innocence at his May 29 arraignment before Judge Paul Sullivan, he took a plea deal in September.  

In exchange for a guilty plea to an amended felony charge of criminal endangerment, prosecutors agreed to recommend the deferred sentence. Kaufman entered the guilty plea on Sept. 25.  

Sullivan stuck to the terms of the deal at Kaufman's Jan. 15 sentencing. He gave Kaufman credit for six days of time served. 

The victim told investigators with the Kalispell Police Department that Kaufman drew the handgun after the two began arguing on the ride home, according to court documents. He recalled apologizing and begging for his life as Kaufman leveled the gun at him.  

A witness saw the gun come out and rushed to intervene, according to court documents.  

Kaufman was previously accused of drawing a knife during a disagreement over parking near the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo. Initially charged with felony assault with a weapon, he was convicted of misdemeanor negligent endangerment in 2022 after taking a plea deal. 

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