Reagan admits to assaulting wife, undersheriff

A Polson man and former fighter pilot for the U. S. Marine Corp. admitted to assaulting his wife and then fighting with the Lake County Undersheriff.

According to Lake County Deputy County Attorney, Lori Adams, William Thomas Reagan, 68, entered a plea of guilty Oct. 26 in Polson District Court to two counts of felony criminal endangerment and one misdemeanor count of partner or family member assault. The plea was entered as part of a plea agreement that amended the charges.

Reagan was initially charged with felony assault on a peace or judicial officer, and misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest and partner or family member assault. The plea agreement calls for Reagan being sentenced to 15 years between the two criminal endangerment charges and one year for the partner assault, for a total of 16 years, all suspended.

According to court records, on Sept. 20, Undersheriff Ben Woods responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a residence in the Finley Point area. The alleged victim explained that Reagan had been drinking all day and arguing with her.

She said she separated herself from Reagan and locked herself in a bedroom, but Reagan kicked the door down causing damage to the door frame and “goaded” her into a physical fight.

Reagan was in a shop on the property when Woods took the woman’s statement. Undersheriff Woods went to the shop and Reagan immediately began yelling at him. Woods explained that he just wanted to talk, but Reagan refused to listen.

When Reagan advanced toward Woods, he warned Reagan to back off before deploying his stun gun from about nine feet. Reagan was struck in the chest but pulled the barbs out and continued to advance. The two men collided, which began what Woods described as a “17-minute long” fight until backup arrived.

Woods suffered scratches to his face, a small fracture in his elbow and a torn tricep tendon where Reagan bit Woods during the fight.

Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher set sentencing for Dec. 14. Reagan was released on his own recognizance but must wear an alcohol monitoring device.