Wicka pleads not guilty in district court

The Libby man arrested after allegedly barricading himself against police earlier this month was arraigned in Lincoln County District Court on June 22.

Wyatt Levi Wicka, 32, pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of assault with a weapon and a misdemeanor charge of assault and partner or family member assault, first offense.

Libby police officers took Wicka into custody following a successful negotiation during the June 5 standoff not far from U.S. Highway 2. He was initially held on a $75,000 bond.

Authorities responded to reports of multiple assaults near the intersection of Montana Avenue and 10th Street about 7:19 p.m. Two people suffered minor injuries, according to law enforcement accounts of the incident.

A police affidavit filed with the court documents alleged that Wicka grabbed his girlfriend and pinned her against the side of a vehicle parked along the street. Confronted by witnesses, Wicka pulled out a handgun, court documents said.

After pointing it in the face of one witness, Wicka punched another and then struck his girlfriend with a closed fist, court documents said. She injured her head while crumpling to the ground, according to the affidavit.

Wicka later retreated to a nearby home and barricaded himself, court documents said. About 15 members of the Libby Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office were involved in the standoff, which was overseen by Police Chief Scott Kessel.

Authorities evacuated nearby homes and businesses while officials negotiated with Wicka. He was eventually taken into custody.

Afterward, Kessel praised members of his department and their colleagues with the sheriff’s office for bringing the situation to a peaceful resolution.

An omnibus hearing for Wicka is scheduled for Aug. 24 with a pretrial conference planned for Oct. 5. He has a Nov. 17 trial date. Wicka was held on a $75,000 bond.