Teen formally charged in robbery incident

One of the teens caught last week in connection with an armed robbery in Columbia Falls will be facing felony charges of robbery and assault with a weapon.

An arrest warrant was issued Wednesday for Connor Jesse Waggener, 18, with information that his bail was to be set at $50,000.

According to charging documents, the victim entered into a vehicle with Waggener, who pulled out a firearm and demanded money. Waggener then “cocked” the gun and held it to the victim’s face until the money was handed over. Waggener then struck the victim with the barrel of the handgun and pushed the victim out of the vehicle.

Three other teens were originally sought in connection with the crime, but Waggener is the only one so far to face charges.

Waggener is scheduled for arraignment in the Flathead County District Court at 9 a.m. Sept. 5.

If convicted, Waggener faces a prison sentence of two to 40 years and a maximum fine of $50,000 for the robbery charge and a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a maximum fine of $50,000 for the assault with a weapon charge.