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Subject of May manhunt pleads not guilty to stabbing

CHRIS PETERSON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 8 years, 5 months AGO
by CHRIS PETERSON
Chris Peterson is the editor of the Hungry Horse News. He covers Columbia Falls, the Canyon, Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. All told, about 4 million acres of the best parts of the planet. He can be reached at [email protected] or 406-892-2151. | July 5, 2017 8:17 AM

A Columbia Falls man accused of stabbing a family member with a knife plead not guilty to felony assault with a weapon in Flathead County District Court last week.

Wayne Armstrong, 28, allegedly stabbed a female family member in the hand during a disturbance at a home on Fourth Avenue West on May 22 about 10 p.m. and then fled the scene. A citywide manhunt ensued, including help from the Two Bear Air helicopter.

Armstrong eluded the search and was turned in early the next morning by his father to the Columbia Falls Police Department. He was covered in blood and heavily intoxicated, court documents claimed.

Armstrong, according to court documents allegedly attacked the female with two kitchen knives. The bloody knives were found in the home and witnesses said they saw the attack. The victim suffered a severe cut to a finger.

A jury trial was scheduled for September. Armstrong is currently being held in the Flathead County Jail, pending further court appearances.

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December 10, 2025 4:05 a.m.

Oh, Christmas tree!

I usually talk to my mother on the phone once a week or so. She lives alone in Florida and works for a church doing funerals part-time.