A Columbia Falls man has admitted to punching the Whitefish police chief in the nose during a Halloween scuffle.

Caleb Keilen Buzzell, 25, pleaded no contest to charges of felony assault on a peace officer Feb. 19 in Flathead District Court.

Buzzell originally pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to court documents, two citizens came to the aid of Chief Bill Dial as he tried to arrest Buzzell near downtown on Oct. 31, 2014.

Dial described Buzzell as belligerent and “completely intoxicated.” Eye-witnesses say Buzzell had been hiding behind bushes and jumping out at people to scare them.

In his account, Dial said he asked Buzzell if he had a ride home and then warned Buzzell twice about his hostile actions before firing a Taser. The Taser darts, however, could not penetrate Buzzell’s jacket. In the ensuing struggle, Dial said, he grabbed Buzzell’s arm and Buzzell punched him in the face.

Dial sad he was momentarily dazed after being punched.

Two citizens intervened and helped subdue Buzzell, but the incident left Dial with two black eyes and a broken nose.

Buzzell’s sentencing hearing is set for April 23.