C-Falls man faces burglary charge

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

For the Hungry Horse News

A Columbia Falls man faces a felony charge after allegedly breaking into a home and assaulting a man who he thought might be having an affair with his wife.

John Justin Forkner, 29, was charged with felony aggravated burglary last week. His bail is set at $40,000 in the case. He is also being held in Flathead County Detention Center for criminal contempt, disorderly conduct, habitual traffic offender, theft and other misdemeanor charges.

According to court documents, Forkner allegedly climbed through a window, walked into a bedroom, and began punching a man. Forkner’s wife was allegedly also in the home and attempted to stop the assault. Forkner told investigators that he suspected his wife was having an affair with the victim. He allegedly confessed to the assault. The victim had a cut eye and mouth from the altercation.

During a search, officers allegedly found a knife and a marijuana pipe on Forkner.

Forkner is set to be arraigned Nov. 23.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.