Case dismissed against man accused of threatening another with skid steer
DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 5 months AGO
Ryan James Blekkenk. (Photo courtesy the Flathead County Sheriff's Office)
NEWS EDITOR Derrick Perkins serves as News Editor at the Daily Inter Lake. He oversees daily news coverage and works closely with reporters to plan, edit and publish stories across print and digital platforms. Perkins helps coordinate coverage of local government, public safety, business and community developments throughout Northwest Montana. He works with the reporting staff to strengthen journalism while maintaining consistent daily coverage. His role helps ensure the newsroom delivers timely, accurate reporting that readers rely on. IMPACT: Derrick’s work keeps readers informed about the decisions and events shaping their communities every day. | March 22, 2023 12:00 AM
A Flathead County District judge in January dismissed a criminal negligence charge against a man previously accused of menacing another individual with a skid steer.
Prosecutors brought Ryan James Blekkenk, 45, up on the felony count in December, alleging in court documents he used a skid steer to pick up another man and then dump him onto the ground. Blekkenk pleaded not guilty at his Dec. 20, 2022 arraignment before Judge Amy Eddy.
Just a few weeks later, on Jan. 5, Deputy County Attorney Andrew Clegg filed a motion to dismiss the case without prejudice. Clegg wrote that he sought the dismissal “in the interest of justice,” according to documents filed in district court.
Judge Amy Eddy granted the request a day later.
Blekkenk initially picked up the charge after authorities responded to a Dec. 10 disturbance on Swan Mountain Drive. According to court documents, a dispute over wooden blocks holding up another individual’s fifth wheel camper sparked the incident.
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