In Flathead District Court on Thursday, Jason Tad Pennington, 39, pleaded not guilty to felony kidnapping and felony assault with a weapon.

Pennington was arrested in June after he reportedly threatened to shoot a woman after he kidnapped her, bound her with zip ties and pointed a gun at her, according to court documents.

On June 28, a Flathead County sheriff’s deputy responded to an incident on Idaho Street in Kalispell. A deputy spoke with a woman who said Pennington was at her house, got angry, and threatened to kill her and others, according to court documents.

Pennington reportedly bound her wrists and ankles with zip ties, took her vehicle and drove them into town, according to the woman’s statement.

Pennington allegedly threatened to shoot her in the back if she tried to leave.

Pennington also grabbed her by the throat, strangling her to a point she couldn’t breathe, and pointed a gun at her head, according to court documents.

Pennington allegedly removed the zip ties by cutting and burning them. The deputy observed injuries on the alleged victim’s wrist.

On June 30, officers found Pennington at the woman’s house. He was under a counter with a large knife next to him. Pennington was arrested and taken to the Flathead County Detention Center, where he reportedly attempted to flee once a deputy opened the patrol car door.

Pennington told deputies he put zip ties on the woman and used a lighter to heat up the plastic and remove them, according to court documents.

If convicted of felony kidnapping, Pennington could face two to 10 years in state prison with a fine of up to $50,000. The penalty for felony assault with a weapon is a maximum 20-year state prison term and up to a $50,000 fine.

Pennington is being held at the Flathead County Detention Center.

A jury trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 31

Hilary Matheson is a reporter for The Daily Inter Lake. She may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.