C-Falls man pleads not guilty to weapon charge

A 52-year-old Columbia Falls area man pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of assault with a weapon on Dec. 19.

Kurt Cheek was arrested on Nov. 28 after he allegedly fired a gun while outside the home of his daughter’s boyfriend. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine if convicted.

This is the second time Cheek has faced the same felony charge. A similar charge in 2002 was later amended to criminal endangerment. He was convicted of that charge, and as a convicted felon he is not allowed to possess a firearm.

According to court records, Cheek’s daughter’s boyfriend called 911 and reported that Cheek was outside the residence yelling and firing a gun. The dispatcher reported hearing a single gunshot, and a responding sheriff’s deputy found a spent .380 casing on the ground.

Cheek was leaving the site when deputies arrived. They reported that he was very intoxicated and a firearm was seen on the floor of his vehicle. He was taken into custody.

Cheek was provided a public defender, and he posted a $40,000 bail. His next hearing is scheduled for March 15.