A Kalispell man is behind bars after his wife alleged he punched and beat her with a broom handle.

Daron Joseph Lime, 38, was jailed Feb. 2 on one felony count of assault with a weapon and one misdemeanor charge of partner or family member assault.

He faces a maximum term of 20 years in the Montana State Prison. His bail was set at $30,000.

According to the criminal complaint, sheriff’s deputies responded to a Helena Flats Road home and spoke to the victim. Lime’s wife said she and her husband were in a verbal argument before he struck her several times with a broom handle. She said he then punched her in the throat, which allegedly made her stop breathing and fall to the floor.

One of the deputies photographed several bruises on the victim that she said were the result of being hit by a broom handle.

Lime’s arraignment is set for Thursday, Feb. 21.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 406-758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com