Inmates plead not guilty to attempted escape

Two inmates at the Lake County Jail are facing trials for a failed attempt to escape custody.

Justice Raven Nicolai, 28, of Ronan and Leland Juniper Ambrose Redcloud, 24, of Polson, each entered pleas of not guilty to felony charges of assault on a peace officer and attempted escape. Redcloud’s arraignment was held before Judge John A. Mercer June 6. Nicolai pleaded not guilty to identical charges before Judge Molly Owen June 19.

According to court records, on April 5, a Lake County Detention Officer was attempting to retrieve a mop and bucket from a restricted area in the jail when Nicolai and Redcloud physically prevented the officer from shutting the door to the area as he left.

The officer was allegedly threatened with physical harm as he continued to request the inmates stop preventing him from closing the door. The struggle continued until another detention officer arrived.

Nicolai is also facing an assault charge for allegedly kicking another inmate in the face in what is described in court documents as a coordinated attack involving other inmates. Redcloud was being held on unrelated drug charges and failing to appear in court on those charges.

Judge Mercer set Redcloud’s trial for Oct. 28. Redcloud remains held without bond. Judge Owen set Nicolai’s trial for Nov. 18. His bond totals $145,000.