TF man pleads not guilty to assault

Ronnie Maxwell Goodrum made his initial appearance before Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher on Tuesday, pleading not guilty to a felony count of assault with a weapon. A jury trial was set for June 3, 2024.

According to the filed affidavit, on December 26, 2023, Thompson Falls Chief of Police Chris Nichols received a call from Sanders County dispatch regarding a report from a resident saying that Goodrum had been at his home, making threats, and refusing to leave. The resident stated that Goodrum was attempting to locate his ex-girlfriend, who was living with the caller and his family following an incident where she was arrested for partner/family member assault against Goodrum.

Chief Nichols called the resident, who alleged that Goodrum had arrived at his residence, uninvited, and had begun verbally threatening him with violence when he wasn’t allowed on the property. Goodrum retreated to his vehicle, still making verbal threats, when the resident alleged that Goodrum reached for an item on the passenger seat and placed it in his lap. The resident believed the item to have been a firearm due to Goodrum’s movements and expression. Goodrum’s ex-girlfriend later told the resident that Goodrum always has a firearm on him.

Shortly after this initial call, the resident called Chief Nichols back to detail another interaction with Goodrum in the Town Pump parking lot. The caller alleged that Goodrum continued to verbally threaten him and flipped him off. A. Allegedly, Goodrum made a shooting gesture while returning to his vehicle.

Deputy Tim Kelly located Goodrum’s vehicle at the Thompson Falls Family Pharmacy, observing a firearm in Goodrum’s front passenger seat. Chief Nichols spoke with Goodrum, who admitted the pistol was his and stated that he had gone to the resdence to attempt to speak with his ex-girlfriend, but that the man came out and spoke with him in an angry manner. Goodrum also claimed that the man followed him to Town Pump, carrying a firearm, and that he was trying to be a bully.

After reviewing the Town Pump video feed with the manager, it was confirmed that the caller was in Town Pump first, with Goodrum appearing to initiate contact, as well as Goodrum flipping the man off in the parking lot.

Joshua Galloway was sentenced per the plea agreement reached between the parties. Judge Christopher sentenced Galloway to a five year deferred imposition of sentence, with credit for time served of 105 days. Galloway will also pay a $500 fine to the Sanders County Drug Fund, among other court fees and surcharges.