Bigfork man accused of firing assault rifle

A Bigfork man is accused of firing rounds from an assault rifle during a domestic disturbance with his girlfriend. Andres Michael Russell pled not guilty in District Court in Polson Nov. 19 to misdemeanor partner or family member assault and felony criminal endangerment.

According to charging documents, on Oct. 9, a Lake County Sheriff’s deputy responded to multiple reports of numerous shots fired. One report indicated about 20 shots were fired in rapid succession, and that someone yelled, “I’m going to kill you.”

At the scene, a deputy spoke with a witness who stated he saw part of an altercation between Russell and his girlfriend. The girlfriend had driven away.

Deputies went to the location where the incident occurred and found several spent shell casings, 27 in all. An assault rifle was located nearby.

The deputies also located the alleged victim and spoke with her. She indicated that Russell had yelled at her and told her to get out and broke a television. Then he allegedly went out and fired into the air.

The next day, a neighbor reported finding a bullet hole in their residence, presumably from the night before.

Judge Molly Owen set the case for trial May 5. Russell remains at liberty.