Ronan man admits to assaulting police officer

A Ronan man admitted to charges related to breaking into a home, assaulting a police officer then taking control of the officer’s patrol car. Curtis Daniel Buck, 29, entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court Jan. 18 to felony charges of assault on a peace or judicial officer, robbery and criminal endangerment.

The charges carry a combined maximum punishment of 60 years in the Montana State Prison. One count of aggravated burglary is to be dismissed at sentencing as part of a plea agreement. The agreement came without a joint recommendation of sentencing, putting Buck at the mercy of the court and subjecting him to the full 60 years allowed.

According to charging documents, on the evening of May 4, 2022, a Flathead Tribal Police Officer responded to a report that a woman had been assaulted by Buck at her residence on Clarice Paul Lane in Ronan. The alleged victim told the officer that Buck had punched her in the face, which the officer observed was red and swollen.

At some point, Buck was able to sneak back into the residence through a window and attack the officer as he was taking the alleged victim’s statement. Buck allegedly hit the officer with his fists and elbow numerous times before fleeing. Buck is then alleged to have entered the officer’s patrol car and fled the scene in it.

Two officers with Ronan Police Department responded to the scene. As they approached, Buck allegedly swerved at them causing them to take evasive action to avoid being hit.

Buck also is alleged to have informed law enforcement of his intention to kill himself by causing a head-on crash as he traveled southbound on U.S. Highway 93. Buck denied being suicidal or intentionally swerving at the officers. However, he did acknowledge that the officers had to take evasive action to avoid being hit.

The patrol car was later found abandoned in the St. Ignatius area. Buck was taken into custody without incident May 7, 2022.

Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher set sentencing for Jan. 25. Buck remains in the Lake County Jail with bond set at $25,000.