Man admits to firing gun during domestic dispute

A Polson man admitted last week to brandishing and firing a handgun during a domestic dispute.

Mark Vrooman, 60, pleaded guilty in Lake County District Court to felony assault with a weapon.

According to a district court affidavit, the incident occurred on Aug. 1, when Vrooman returned home from Swanee’s Bar in Polson and engaged in an argument with a female partner or family member over past relationships and religious beliefs. Vrooman allegedly grabbed a .22 magnum revolver as the argument escalated, prompting the woman to run away, the affidavit states. The woman told officers that she heard gunshots behind her and dropped to the ground fearing for her life

After hearing no further gunshots, the woman allegedly looked up and saw Vrooman standing over her with the barrel of the gun open and out of bullets.

The woman told officers that Vrooman threatened to reload the weapon and shoot himself in the head while she watched, according to the affidavit. Before he could reload, however, the woman proceeded to run inside the house, lock the doors and call law enforcement, the affidavit states.

Upon questioning, Vrooman denied pointing the gun at the women but admitted to firing into the air to release his anger and anxiety, the affidavit states.

Lake County District Court Judge James A. Manley scheduled Vrooman’s sentencing for March 22.