A 28-year-old man who stabbed another man during a fight in Evergreen Feb. 7 has been given an eight-year suspended sentence in an unrelated drug case.

Kyle Puckett previously pleaded guilty by way of Alford to criminal possession of precursors to dangerous drugs for having materials used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Puckett initially was charged with felony operation of an unlawful clandestine laboratory. The South Kalispell Fire Department had responded to a structure fire and saw probable items used in the manufacture of meth located in the back bedroom Puckett was renting.

That charge was later reduced to the possession of precursors charge and felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs. The latter charge was dismissed as part of a plea agreement that included a stipulated sentence of eight years, with prosecutors arguing for it to be suspended and Puckett’s attorney arguing for it to be deferred.

Puckett’s use of drugs since his early November release — uncovered during an investigation into the stabbing — was used by the prosecution in support of a suspended sentence.

In addition to the sentence handed down Wednesday by District Judge Heidi Ulbricht, Puckett was given credit for 216 days already served.

Flathead County Ed Corrigan has said Puckett will not be charged for stabbing Carl Scott “Scotty” Lamar because Puckett has a strong claim of self-defense corroborated by video evidence. The video reportedly shows Lamar initiating the fight by jumping Puckett from behind.

Puckett told law officers that he pulled a knife and stabbed Lamar only after Lamar brandished his own knife.

Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry said two videos were sent to the FBI for enhancement.

Curry said the angle of the video showing the altercation is good, showing both men from the side, but poor lighting conditions and the fact that it was filmed from “a fairly large distance” make discerning small details challenging.

While the fight itself is obvious and the video shows Lamar jumping Puckett from behind, Curry said the use of knives is not clear.

Curry confirmed Wednesday that the fight was over a woman — seen walking with the men in both videos — who apparently was involved with both Lamar and Puckett.

Lamar has never regained consciousness and remains in critical condition on life support at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

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