A Whitefish man accused of holding a knife to the throat of a woman earlier this year pleaded not guilty to a felony charge Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Nathan Hoover is charged with assault with a weapon for the Feb. 9 incident.

According to a court document, an open line was established with 911 from the victim’s house, and a dispatcher could hear a woman in the background crying and saying “please,” “why,” “get off me” and “stop hitting me.”

When officers arrived, they allegedly found the woman speaking with dispatch on her cellphone. She reportedly said Hoover had just run out the back door.

Hoover and the woman had reportedly been arguing when the woman called 911, allegedly making Hoover even angrier. He then allegedly took the phone and pinned her down on the kitchen floor before taking a knife out of a butcher block and holding it against her throat.

The court document states that the woman eventually was able to get away from Hoover and again call 911.

Hoover reported to the Whitefish Police Department a few days later to make a statement, allegedly admitting he and the victim had a verbal argument and that he prevented her from leaving, but denying threatening her with a knife.

If convicted, Hoover faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.

His next hearing is set for May 8.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at [email protected].