Veteran accused of assaulting wife and police officer

A Polson man and former fighter pilot for the U. S. Marine Corp. is accused of assaulting his wife and getting into a full-on fight with Lake County Undersheriff Ben Woods.

William Thomas Reagan, 68, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court Oct. 12 to misdemeanor charges of partner or family-member assault and resisting arrest and felony assault on a peace or judicial officer.

According to court records, on Sept. 20, Undersheriff 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, the officer warned Reagan to back off before deploying his stun gun from about nine feet, which had no effect. Reagan continued to advance, and the two 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 allegedly bit Woods during the fight.

Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher set a trial date of March 11. Reagan’s attorney, Justin Kalmbach of Polson, requested that Reagan be released on his own recognizance, or at a minimum, receive a bond reduction. Judge Christopher noted Reagan’s service to his country, and her desire to not keep a veteran incarcerated, but maintained bond at $50,000. It was initially set at $250,000.