Man faces criminal endangerment charges after allegedly firing into a vehicle

A Libby man is facing up to 20 years and six months in prison and a fine of up to $21,500 after being charged with two counts of criminal endangerment and one count of criminal mischief.

David Charles Striplin, 53, was charged after an incident outside his residence on Granite Lake Road where he allegedly fired multiple shots into a car while two women were standing close by.

On Monday, Striplin pleaded not guilty to the charges and his attorney, Alisha Backus, requested that he be released on his own recognizance. County Attorney Bernie Cassidy objected and said that Striplin has some mental health issues. District Court Judge James Wheelis set an Oct. 31 hearing to further discuss the issue. Striplin is being held on a $50,000 bond.

According to an affidavit of probable cause submitted by sheriff’s deputy Brent Faulkner, Striplin was arrested on Sept. 18 after four adults came to the property to retrieve items for three of them who used to live there.

In exchange for letting them retrieve their belongings, Striplin expected them to return his Chevrolet pickup. When they arrived, Striplin became upset about the condition of his pickup and arguing ensued, Faulkner said.

The parties began removing some of their belongings from a porch and the residence.

At some point, Striplin grabbed his .22-caliber rifle and advanced toward a car, fired at least one round into the air and then fired four rounds into the car, Faulkner said. One of the shots was aimed at the vehicle’s radiator and three were aimed at the right front tire and caused it to deflate, Faulkner said.

Striplin also tried to stab at least one car tire with a kitchen knife, Faulkner said, adding that Striplin said he disabled the car because it contained his room air conditioner.

An omnibus hearing was set for Dec. 5.