Libby man charged with assault after July 4 fireworks dispute

A 60-year-old Libby man is facing two felony counts of assault with a weapon following a confrontation over fireworks on the Fourth of July.

According to court documents, Lorne Dee Hutton allegedly brandished a firearm and nearly struck two individuals with his vehicle during a dispute near Minnesota Avenue and East Maple Street in Libby. Lincoln County deputies responded to the incident shortly after receiving a report from a man who said his neighbor had pulled a gun on him and his 15-year-old son.

The reporting party told authorities he and his son were lighting fireworks across the street from their home on county property, outside city limits. He said Hutton, upset about the noise, drove a 2003 Ford F-350 toward them, jumped a curb near the Port Authority building, and stopped abruptly before allegedly pointing a handgun in their direction.

Multiple witnesses at the scene corroborated the account, telling deputies that Hutton drove toward the two and appeared to come close to hitting them with his vehicle.

Police records show that Hutton had contacted dispatch minutes earlier, complaining that neighbors were lighting fireworks and that the noise was disturbing his dogs. Dispatch advised him that since the activity was occurring on county land and not within city limits, there was little law enforcement could do.

Deputies made contact with Hutton by phone and instructed him to exit his residence. He complied and was detained without incident. Authorities noted the engine of Hutton’s truck was still warm and that fresh mud tracks were visible in the driveway.

During questioning, Hutton admitted he may have driven over the curb but denied pointing a firearm at anyone. He said he was frustrated by the repeated fireworks and upset that law enforcement was not taking action.

Deputies also spoke with Hutton’s wife, who stated she was unaware of her husband’s actions but did not appear surprised by the allegations.

Law enforcement recovered a silver EAA Witness .45 ACP handgun from the residence. The firearm was loaded with eight rounds, though none were chambered. It was seized as evidence.

If convicted, Hutton faces up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine for each assault charge, for a total of up to 40 years and $100,000 in fines.