Libby standoff ends with man in custody

A standoff early Sunday morning in Libby ended with one man in custody and a woman the alleged victim of an assault.

According to a press release from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, a county dispatcher received a call at about 1:01 a.m. for a report of disturbance involving a man with a weapon at 1309 Washington Ave.

When deputies arrived, they learned that several individuals had been threatened by a man, identified as 36-year-old Chase Butala, with a weapon and a female had been assaulted.

The people who were threatened were interviewed and left the scene. Butala and the female were still inside the residence.

Multiple attempts were made to contact Butala, but he reportedly refused to come to the door or speak with deputies.

The Sheriff's Office contacted the Northwest Regional SWAT Team based in Kalispell and requested their assistance.

When the SWAT team arrived, continued attempts were made to contact Butala. After receiving no response, the decision was made to breach the front door to make contact.

When officers entered, they reported that Butala surrendered to SWAT team members and was transported to the Lincoln County Detention Center.

Butala is currently charged with assault and aggravated assault pending further investigation.