Noxon man pleads not guilty to assault charge

Peter Gerald Love made his initial appearance before Judge Molly Owen on a felony count of assault with a weapon on Tuesday, pleading not guilty. Judge Owen set this case for jury trial on December 11, 2023.

According to the charging documents, on or around May 25, Sanders County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from a resident saying had been threatened with a firearm during an argument with his neighbor. Deputy Craig McCarthy spoke with the complainant, who claimed the argument had started over a dog. The incident escalated to an argument, during which Love allegedly drew his pistol from about 20 feet away.

Deputy McCarthy went to speak with Love, noting on approach that Love had a holstered pistol on his hip, which Love removed upon request. Per the affidavit, Love didn’t initially admit to drawing and pointing his pistol at the person, but claimed multiple times that he had “feared for his life” and had acted accordingly. Love claimed that the other man had charged at him, which caused the fear. Love also allegedly admitted that he had exited his vehicle, pointing his pistol at the man, as well as that the other man had no weapons and had nothing in his hands.

Appearing to answer a filed petition to revoke, James Lee Likens entered his admission to the violation of his probation by absconding from supervision. Likens’ attorney, Britt Cotter, informed Judge Owen that he and the County Attorney had reached an agreed sentencing recommendation. After making his admission, Likens apologized to the court and the community for his actions, stating “I was just being an idiot.” As recommended, Judge Owen resentencing Likens to five years in the Montana State Prison, with 441 days credit for time served. The sentence will run concurrently to the sentence handed down two weeks ago in Lake County on felony charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and bail jumping.

Likens was remanded to the custody of the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office for transport to the Montana State Prison.