Libby man could avoid jail time for knife assault

A Libby man accused of stabbing another man multiple times with a steak knife in April pleaded guilty Monday to felony charges in exchange for a recommendation for a deferred sentence.

Jon Legan, 29, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Lincoln County Attorney Bernie Cassidy is recommending a six-year deferred sentence along with a $1,500 fine, and will dismiss an additional charge of assault with a weapon.

Legan was arrested after John Williamson arrived at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in the early morning hours of April 25 with multiple stab wounds. According to court documents, the deputy who responded to the call visited the scene of the incident along Enders Drive and spoke with Legan’s girlfriend, Chyanne Smith, who told him that a fight had broken out between Legan and Williamson after she and Williamson had gone to buy alcohol. She told the deputy that when she and Williamson returned, Legan began yelling at them in the driveway, and a physical altercation between the two men ensued.

The deputy, Brandon Holzer, also reported that he found blood splatter throughout the brush in the area.

Holzer returned to the hospital and spoke with Williamson as he was being prepared to be transported to Kalispell Regional Medical Center for further treatment. Williamson told Holzer he had been attacked by Legan and only realized he had been stabbed after he fled. Williamson said he drove himself to the hospital.

Legan turned himself in later in the day. In an interview with another deputy, John Davis, Legan said he was eating a steak when Williamson and Smith returned. He told Davis that he was concerned for Smith’s safety. He said he was assaulted by Williamson when he ran out to the vehicle to check on Smith, and the two men tumbled to the ground fighting.

Legan said he didn’t remember stabbing Williamson and fled the scene when he realized what had happened. He said he ran into the woods, dropped the knife and passed out.

Legan had been held in the Lincoln County jail since his arrest. After pleading guilty on Monday, Legan was released on his own recognizance by Judge James Wheelis pending sentencing.