Accused bicycle thief arraigned

Back in Lincoln County District Court after a brief disappearance, an accused bicycle thief has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Brenton Keith Erickson, 37, faces charges of felony theft, obstructing a peace officer and attempted escape in connection with his March 31 arrest. He was arraigned May 24.

Theft carries a maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars and a $10,000 fine while attempted escape is punishable by up to a decade in Montana State Prison. Obstructing a peace officer, a misdemeanor, comes with a maximum penalty of six months in the county jail and a $500 fine.

Erickson was originally due in court in April, but failed to make his scheduled appearance. District Judge Matthew Cuffe later issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

Authorities accuse Erickson of absconding with a Stumpjumper Pro 27.5 owned by the son of a local police officer on March 24. It went missing while its owner was horn hunting near the Jennings Haul Road area, but later turned up outside of a local grocery store, according to court documents.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies confirmed the bike was stolen after locating a serial number. While they were working to identify it, Libby Police officer Ian Smith searched the store for the individual who had arrived on the bicycle.

In an affidavit, deputies recalled looking up to see a man, later identified as Erickson, running south out of the store with Smith fast on his heels. Erickson was arrested after a Minnesota Avenue resident spotted the police chase and tripped him up, according to court documents.

Authorities seized the bicycle, cuffed Erickson and took him to the Lincoln County Detention Center. Shortly after arriving, Erickson tried to escape, court documents said. Claiming severe leg pain, Erickson allegedly asked for a doctor.

In an affidavit, Detention officer Grant Martin wrote that Erickson was given a cup of water. Finished, he asked for a refill. Martin wrote that he kept an eye on Erickson as he poured a second cup. He watched as the other man leapt up — showing no signs of pain — and allegedly tried to escape.

Martin brought Erickson down near the intox desk, court documents said. He and other detention center officers cuffed the accused thief and brought him back to a cell, where Erickson allegedly continued to complain of leg pain.

Martin wrote that they contacted the county nurse to apprise her of the situation. As for the detention officer, he reported feeling worsening pain in his hip after intercepting Erickson.

An omnibus hearing has been scheduled for July 26 with a pretrial conference to follow on Aug. 30. Were the case to go to trial, it would begin Oct. 12.