Polson man accused of assaulting officer

A Polson man is accused of punching a Ronan Police officer who responded to a report of a drunk and disorderly person at the local hospital. 

Gavin Dean Knutson, 20, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson Jan. 2 to felony assault on a peace or judicial officer and misdemeanor criminal mischief.

According to charging documents, on Nov. 26, Knutson was taken by friends to St. Luke Hospital in Ronan due to his high level of intoxication. Knutson was described as being irritated and volatile after being admitted. He ended up leaving his room, and at one point threw a key fob shattering a glass door, which prompted a call to law enforcement.

Ronan Police officer Braden Barber arrived to find Knutson hugging a female outside the hospital. As Barber approached, Knutson became upset and shoved the woman he was hugging and stated he didn’t want to go to jail.

As Barber attempted to control him, Knutson allegedly punched the officer in the face. The officer unholstered his stun gun, and Knutson briefly resisted before allegedly punching Barber a second time. He was then placed in handcuffs and arrested.

Judge John A. Mercer set the case for trial on May 12. Knutson remains at liberty.