Man arrested after standoff pleads not guilty to three felonies

A man who was arrested following an armed standoff July 7 at Bellevue Trailer Court along U.S. Highway 93 in Polson pleaded not guilty to three related felonies July 29 in Lake County District Court.

Edward Dale Hardy, 63, pleaded not guilty to kidnapping, assault with a weapon and criminal endangerment. Judge Deboah “Kim” Christopher set a jury trial for Dec. 6.

Lake County Dispatch received a call at approximately 6:30 p.m. July 7 from a woman claiming to be held against her will by a male at one of the park’s trailers. The woman told dispatchers her alleged captor was armed and had fired several rounds inside the trailer.

Dispatch also received reports from other Bellevue residents of shots being fired.

Officers established a perimeter around the trailer and attempted to talk with Edward Hardy, 63, inside the trailer as they began evacuating nearby residences.

Officers could hear Hardy barricading the doors and windows. Telephone contact was made with the inside occupants and an officer was able to negotiate the release of the female, who was subsequently examined by medical personnel. Hardy then began setting debris on fire and throwing it out the window of the trailer.

The Northwest Montana Regional SWAT Team and Kalispell Special Response Team came down to assist with the situation. Also responding were the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol and the Flathead Tribal Police.

Just as the SWAT Team was about to make contact, Hardy crawled through a window and tried to escape by getting into his vehicle. Hardy was taken into custody after being tased by an officer.

A search of Hardy’s residence revealed firearms, a cache of ammo and numerous other weapons strategically placed throughout the trailer.