A 19-year-old man has been charged with two felonies after allegedly wielding a knife and strangling a family member.

Colin Kristopher Hardwick has been charged with felony assault with a weapon and felony criminal endangerment. Charges were filed in Flathead County District Court Aug. 24.

The Kalispell Police Department investigated the alleged assault.

According to court documents, the alleged victim said she confronted Hardwick Aug. 22 about money missing from her purse.

Hardwick then reportedly “blew up,” calling her names, punching her in the arm and slapping her face.

Hardwick then allegedly got a knife and came at the victim with it three times. Each time, the victim said she “was certain” he was going to stab her.

Eventually, Hardwick put the knife down and said he was going to kill her, according to court documents.

Hardwick reportedly began strangling the victim until she hit him in the head with a remote control. Hardwick eventually left the house when the victim’s other son arrived.

An officer noted a bruise on the victim’s arm and a black eye. The woman told the officer that she had difficulty hearing in one ear and had a headache.

Hardwick allegedly admitted he had been in an altercation with the family member and gave a similar account of the incident, according to court documents.

If convicted of assault with a weapon, Hardwick could face a prison term up to 20 years and a maximum fine of $50,000. For criminal endangerment, he could receive a maximum 10-year prison term and fines up to $50,000.

Hilary Matheson is a reporter for The Daily Inter Lake. She may be reached at 758-4431 or [email protected].