Dispute over allegedly stolen camper causes 40-year-old to appear in court

A dispute involving an allegedly stolen RV in late October landed a 40-year-old man on a misdemeanor and misdemeanor charge in Flathead County District Court.

Prosecutors have charged Donald Lester Church with assault with a weapon and misdemeanor assault following the Oct. 29 confrontation. He is expected to appear before Judge Robert Allison for his arraignment on November 7.

The confrontation occurred after two people came across their suspected stolen RV at a property on Hungry Horse Boulevard, according to court documents. As the pair attempted to retrieve the camper, Church threw a large piece of wood through the driver’s side window of their truck, according to court documents.

One person reportedly suffered hand and foot injuries after being struck by the wood.

Church then admitted to Flathead County Sheriff’s Office officers that he broke the victims’ truck window, according to court documents. He is said to have said that he had lost his patience.

Felony assault with a weapon is punishable by up to 20 years in prison in the state of Montana and a $50,000 fine. Misdemeanor criminal mischief carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a fine of up to $1,500.

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or [email protected].