A man was charged Tuesday with two felonies and a misdemeanor for allegedly assaulting a Columbia Falls Police officer in February.

Joel William Vessie was stopped by an officer on Feb. 15 at 4:30 a.m. in Columbia Falls. According to court documents an officer noted that he appeared excited and was making fast movements. Vessie spoke so quickly that the officer allegedly could not understand what he was saying.

Vessie allegedly grabbed near the pocket of the driver’s side door and the officer asked him to show his hands because the officer thought he might have a gun in the car. Vessie allegedly did not comply and slammed the car door, nearly shutting the officer’s arm in the door.

Vessie then became combative as the officer tried to get him under control. Prosecutors claim Vessie screamed obscenities and curse words, tried to kick the officer and tried to head-butt the officer.

The officer was scratched in the process.

Another officer arrived and Vessie was taken to the police station, where he performed poorly on field sobriety tests. A blood draw at the hospital determined he had methamphetamine, amphetamine and chemicals associated with marijuana in his blood at the time of his arrest.

A search of his truck revealed a white pill capsule that contained .47 grams of cocaine.

A syringe and pill bottle with a scratched-off label also were found in the vehicle. The bottle contained 22 pills that were identified as Lorazapam.

A gun was not found in Vessie’s vehicle, but the officer allegedly found a 2-foot-long metal rod that was sticking out from beneath the driver’s seat.

Vessie is charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, felony assault on a peace officer and misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol.

An arraignment date has not yet been set.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.