A recent late night bicycle ride apparently descended into an assault with a Columbia Falls man facing charges.

William Aaron Martinez, 55, was charged with one felony count of partner or family member assault June 5 in Flathead County District Court. He is lodged in the county detention center on $13,900 bail.

According to court documents, Martinez has partner/family member assault convictions in 1984 and 2016. He faces a minimum sentence of 30 days and a maximum of five years.

The criminal complaint against Martinez indicated he and his girlfriend were riding bicycles sometime before 10 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, when an eyewitness said she saw Martinez throw his bike to the ground and grab the female victim. The witness said she saw Martinez “beat the hell” out of the woman and also said he “wailed” on her.

When officers from the Columbia Falls Police Department responded to the scene on Talbot Road at about 10:01 p.m., they recognized Martinez and his girlfriend from previous reports.

One officer spoke with Martinez, who appeared to be agitated and drunk. Martinez allegedly said he was in a physical argument with the victim, but claimed it was in self-defense.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or [email protected]