An argument over money near a Columbia Falls gas station earlier this month allegedly escalated into a beating with a baseball.

Wayne Edward Hickok, 58, faces one count of felony assault with a weapon in Flathead County District Court for his alleged role in the July 3 attack off of U.S. 2. Hickok is expected to appear before Judge Heidi Ulbricht for his arraignment on July 20.

Officers with the Columbia Falls Police Department responded to the gas station in the early morning hours for a report of an assault, according to court documents. The victim told arriving officers that he lived in a tent next to Hickok’s mobile home, court documents said. He said that a drunk Hickok attacked him with a baseball bat owing to a disagreement about money.

Authorities noted that the victim suffered swelling and discoloration near his right elbow, court documents said. The victim accused Hickok of hitting him twice in the elbow with the bat while aiming for his head, according to court documents.

Upon investigating the campsite, officers found an “extensively damaged” tent as well as personal property strewn about the area, court documents said. They unsuccessfully attempted to speak with Hickok, but they did locate a 28-inch metal Easton baseball bat about 25 yards from the 58-year-old’s mobile home, according to court documents.

Officers caught up with Hickok about 10:15 p.m. after spotting him walking across Ninth Street West, court documents said. Hickok allegedly told authorities he confronted the victim over a $800 debt. He recalled seeing the victim display a knife, but acknowledged that the man never approached or threatened him with the blade.

Hickok also allegedly admitted drinking alcohol prior to the confrontation and returned to his mobile home to continue drinking whiskey while becoming increasingly upset. He then grabbed the baseball bat and took it to the victim’s tent, he allegedly said.

Asked if he swung the bat at the victim, “he shrugged his shoulders and nodded,” court documents said.

Assault with a weapon is punishable by up to 20 years in Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine.

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or [email protected].