Norman seeks early end to probation

Nathan Norman has petitioned the court to revoke his remaining probation time for charges of felony assault with a weapon, and misdemeanor counts of criminal trespass to property and disorderly conduct.

“There has been no hearing scheduled at this time,” said County Attorney Marcia Boris. “Although it is possible that there may be a hearing in order to allow the victim to be heard on the issue, if the court feels it is appropriate.”

Authorities arrested Norman after an incident the Dirty Shame Saloon on Nov. 25, 2017, where he was found in a “tactical position” on the hillside behind the saloon. Hefting a rifle equipped with live rounds and a red laser scope, Norman peered into the establishment from a vantage point approximately 50 feet behind the saloon, according to court documents.

Court documents recount events leading up to the assault, which began just after 7 p.m. on the day of Norman’s arrest. Owner of the Dirty Shame Saloon, John Runkle, asked Norman and his brother to leave following an altercation between Norman and his ex-girlfriend, according to court documents.

Outside of the saloon, Runkle said he told the pair that they were not allowed back inside. Runkle said Norman then threatened him.

As Norman tried to return inside the establishment, Runkle said the cook detrered him with bear spray.

Norman then retreated to his vehicle while threatening to shoot Runkle, court documents said.

One of the saloon’s security cameras captured Norman, illuminated by the bar’s exterior lights, holding a pistol in his hand. He appears to point it at Runkle, court documents said.

Following the armed standoff, Runkle called 911 and locked the saloon’s doors. Norman drove off from the saloon, according to court documents.

But Norman returned before deputies arrived.

Court documents cited Dirty Shame patrons who saw Norman return and run up the hillside behind the saloon.

“We weren’t sure what the heck was going on,” said Runkle in an interview with The Western News. “He was 50 feet away with a perfect line of sight on the bar and looked like he was waiting to shoot somebody, probably me.”

When officers arrived, they escorted Norman’s ex-girlfriend and brother away before seeking out Norman, according to law enforcement accounts. Using spotlights, they found him lying down looking through the Dirty Shame’s southerly-facing windows.

Norman was arrested without incident.

Following the arrest, Lincoln Country Sherriff’s office reported that Norman’s BAC was .143.

Norman is filing the petition for conditional discharge in an attempt to prove he no longer requires supervision and is not a safety threat.

The petition was filed on Oct. 11.