Libby man arrested for assault with a weapon

Craig Alan Barrows, a 29-year-old Libby man, was arrested Jan. 5 and charged with one felony count of assault with a weapon and one misdemeanor count of negligent endangerment.

If convicted on both charges, Barrows could be sentenced to up to 21 years imprisonment and $51,000 in fines.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by Deputy John Davis, who arrested Barrows, officers were initially dispatched to a residence on Bobtail Road in response to a report of shots fired by Barrows near a residence.

“On the above time and date (1033 hours on the fifth day of January, 2016) I was on patrol in a marked vehicle and wearing an approved uniform,” Davis wrote. “I was dispatched to 1452 Bobtail Road for a 911 call involving gunshots being fired. Deputy Vanderhoef was in my vehicle as cover officer. Dispatch advised that an individual had fired multiple gun shots near the reporting party’s (RP) residence. Dispatch advised that the individual was identified by the RP as Craig Barrows. Dispatch advised that Barrows had left the residence in a blue passenger car and was headed north towards Bobtail Cutoff Road.”

Davis located the suspect vehicle and pulled it over on Bobtail Cutoff Road, recognizing Barrows from “multiple law enforcement encounters,” and executed a warrantless arrest, without incident, at the time. Also taken into custody at the same time was Jeremy Goucher, a passenger in the car, who was released after providing deputies with a statement as to the events leading up to Barrows’ arrest.

According to the report filed by Davis, Goucher said the incident was the result of an argument between Barrows and Levi Powell about a broken windshield that escalated out of control.

“Goucher stated that Barrows and Levi Powell got into an argument about Barrows’ car being damaged the night before,” Davis wrote in his narrative. “Goucher stated that the argument escalated. Goucher stated that Barrows had fired off multiple rounds in front of the Bobtail residence.”

Powell’s statement corroborated Goucher’s, according to Davis’ report.

“I responded to 1452 Bobtail Road and spoke to Detective Scofield,” Davis wrote. “Scofield had spoken to the RP, Levi Powell, about the incident. Powell stated that Barrows wanted him to pay for a new windshield for his car. Barrows accused Powell of breaking the windshield of his car the previous day. Powell stated that he refused to pay for the windshield and an argument ensued.

“Powell stated that Barrows retrieved a pistol from his vehicle and threatened him with is. Powell stated that he got his hunting rifle out to protect himself. Powell stated he had small children inside the residence. Powell stated that he walked out of the resident and ordered Barrows off his property. Barrows then pointed the pistol at Powell again. Powell stated that he felt threatened by Barrows’ action.

“Powell stated that Barrows removed an SKS-style rifle from his vehicle. Powell went back into his residence. Powell stated that he heard a gunshot from outside the residence near Barrows’ vehicle. Powell stated taht he saw the vehicle leave the driveway. Powell stated that he heard three to five shots fired from the road in front of his house a short time later.”

According to Davis’ report, Barrows later admitted to firing his weapon in front of the house and from the road near the residence.

Justice of the Peace Jay Sheffield ordered Barrows held on $50,000 bond.

The charges are not Barrows first encounter with law enforcement. He was scheduled to appear in Montana’s 19th Judicial District Court the day before the incident, Jan. 4, to enter a guilty plea to a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia. As part of the plea agreement with Lincoln County prosecutors, a felony count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs would be dismissed. Both charges stemmed from a March 23, 2015, arrest.

According to the plea agreement, filed with the court Dec. 10, 2015, the state would recommend a sentence of 10 days in jail, suspended for a period of six months. One of the terms of the agreement is for Barrows to “not violate any federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances other than minor traffic offenses.”

Barrows’ appearance before Judge James Wheelis was continued until Jan. 11 before the Jan. 5 incident.