Subject of May manhunt pleads not guilty to stabbing

A Columbia Falls man accused of stabbing a family member with a knife plead not guilty to felony assault with a weapon in Flathead County District Court last week.

Wayne Armstrong, 28, allegedly stabbed a female family member in the hand during a disturbance at a home on Fourth Avenue West on May 22 about 10 p.m. and then fled the scene. A citywide manhunt ensued, including help from the Two Bear Air helicopter.

Armstrong eluded the search and was turned in early the next morning by his father to the Columbia Falls Police Department. He was covered in blood and heavily intoxicated, court documents claimed.

Armstrong, according to court documents allegedly attacked the female with two kitchen knives. The bloody knives were found in the home and witnesses said they saw the attack. The victim suffered a severe cut to a finger.

A jury trial was scheduled for September. Armstrong is currently being held in the Flathead County Jail, pending further court appearances.