SANDPOINT – A Washington state man is awaiting sentencing on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Steven James Baergen, 40, is scheduled for sentencing on August 30 for an incident taking place near Stoneridge Resort in November 2019. Two other charges were dropped after Baergen signed a plea deal on June 14. He faces up to five years in prison, a fine up to $5,000, or both.

In testimony to deputies, the victim, who was dating Baergen at that time, got into an argument with him while they were driving. Which caused her and her young son to get out of the vehicle at the intersection of Hanaford and Stoneridge where the incident unfolded.

In the victim's statement to Bonner County Sheriff's deputies, she called a friend to come pick them up around 10:30 that night.

The man arrived at the scene to find the victim and her son hiding in the bushes beside the road. Allegedly, Baergen quickly pulled up behind the male in his vehicle, loaded a black pistol, and pointed it at him – nearly touching his face. She alleged Baergen also pointed the pistol at her and her son during the altercation.

The victim, her friend and her son were able to flee in the man's car. As they were driving away, the man reported seeing the muzzle of Baergen’s pistol flash in their direction. There were spent 10mm bullet casings found at the scene according to the police affidavit. When later questioned by sheriff’s deputies, Bergen admitted to the altercation taking place, but said that the woman's friend was the aggressor. He also told deputies that he owns firearms, but refused to specify what type they were.

Baergen, who is a Spokane resident, refused to return to Bonner County until a warrant was issued.

A protection order against Baergen was filed by the victim in July 2020, which he violated seven months later in December. Kootenai County Sheriff's Deputies were called to the scene on the 1300 block of Beck Road by bystanders on July 6 after they saw Baergen beating the victim in the road. When deputies arrived, they saw bystanders physically separating Baergen from the victim. He was arrested at the scene.

He signed a plea agreement in December, pleading guilty to violating a protection order, and for careless driving. Baergen was given a $500 fine, and a 205 day sentence– 203 of them suspended.

Resources for help with domestic violence can be found at icdv.idaho.gov, or calling 208-332-1540