Sword-wielding man not granted release from jail

Lincoln County District Judge James Wheelis declined to let a Libby man out of jail on Monday, saying that he is a risk to the community.

Dru Allen Orr, 46, pleaded not guilty Monday to felony burglary, misdemeanor criminal mischief, misdemeanor assault, misdemeanor criminal possession of dangerous drugs, and two misdemeanor counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

“You are facing 24 years in prison,” Wheelis said of the possible punishment if Orr is convicted.

Orr’s attorney William Managhan had Orr testify that he was in a “totally different state of mind” when he was arrested on Feb. 3 at an apartment building off Farm to Market Road 3.

According to court documents Orr allegedly entered the home of someone who did not know him. He was allegedly found crawling across a floor and up to a refrigerator by an officer. The officer left the apartment to call for backup, because Orr had allegedly admitting to discharging a firearm into the floor during a recent previous incident. He had also made recent phone calls to police claiming that grizzly bears lived under his home.

The officer returned to the residence and found that Orr had a sword and a stick in his hand. He would not put the weapons down when asked, but the officer was able to take them from him peaceably.

A search of Orr revealed suspected marijuana and a pipe. Another pipe and butterfly knife were also allegedly found.

The residents who lived in the home said that Orr had banged on the door to get in. The door appeared to have been damaged from the sword, with the trim torn from its frame.

Orr admitted to entering the home, but denied using the sword. He told officers he needed the “staff” to protect everyone. Orr claimed he was communicating telepathically with officers.

He admitted to having oycontin in his pocket. Officers found a pill bottle with three different colors of pills. They were only able to confirm that one was clonazepam.

Wheelis said the risk to the community was too great to reduce bond in the case.

“I think for the protection of the public I’m going to leave bond set,” Wheelis said.