Two altercations involve weapons at Polson bars

POLSON — Police have made one arrest and are seeking a second individual who allegedly drew knives during an altercation at Polson’s Salish Bar early Sunday morning.

According to Polson Police Chief Wade Nash, three individuals were involved in the altercation, which occurred around 12:50 a.m.

“It started out as a verbal disagreement and escalated,” Nash said. “Knives were pulled before a physical altercation occurred. When the cops were called, there was an attempt to hide the knives and one individual took off.”

Police took 28-year-old Brock Wilson into custody and have a name on the second individual, although he has not yet been located. Wilson is being charged with assault with a weapon.

On Wednesday, April 25, Polson Police officers were at the Wolf Den investigating a criminal mischief charge when they learned about an altercation that happened the night before where a patron cocked an unloaded pistol at another man who was allegedly behaving out of line.

“There was an unruly patron fraternizing individuals inside the Wolf Den,” Nash said.

According to Nash, Justin Jennison exited the bar and returned shortly thereafter with a pistol in his pocket. He had apparently unloaded the gun outside the bar.

“The patron that was causing the problems continued,” Nash said. “Mr. Jennison stood up from his bar stool, cocked the gun and pointed the pistol at the individual. At that time, a witness inside took the gun away from Jennison.”

While the victim has not been particularly cooperative with investigators, he did clearly state that the weapon was pulled on him inside the bar and police have issued two citations to Jennison, one for negligent endangerment and the other for carrying a concealed weapon in a prohibited place. Since Jennison has been cooperative throughout the investigation, he was not arrested, but is required to appear in front of the court.

Nash said assaults with weapons seem to be on the rise in the last few months to a year and said it is imperative that people call the police when a potentially dangerous situation arises, and not try to handle it alone.

“Both owners of the bars have been very helpful and cooperative in the investigations,” Nash said. “I want to really encourage people not to take it into their own hands. Call the police if an altercation arises. That way, nobody gets hurt.”