Libby man arrested after kicking Amtrak employee

A Libby man faces assault and resisting arrest charges for allegedly attacking an Amtrak employee after being denied entry onto a train New Year’s Eve.

Libby police officers began searching for Thomas John William Burkhard about 11:46 p.m. Burkhard allegedly had tried to board a train, but was barred owing to “heavy intoxication,” a police affidavit said.

Denied entry, Burkhard began yelling and swearing at the assistant train conductor, according to the affidavit. He then allegedly kicked the conductor and fled on foot.

Officers caught up to Burkhard at a local casino after receiving word of a disturbance there. Arriving on scene, authorities learned Burkhard allegedly had yelled and cursed at other casino patrons before heading to the venue’s bathroom, where he continued to shout and cuss.

Officers arrested him as he exited the restrooms. According to court documents, Burkhard began to struggle. Officers had to bring him to the ground before handcuffing him, authorities said.

Burkhard has three previous disorderly conduct incidents in his criminal history, all occurring in 2019, officials said. He was held on a $2,500 bond.

Burkhard is scheduled back in court for an omnibus hearing on Feb. 27 and a pre-trail conference on March 26.