Suspect allegedly injured deputies during arrest
DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 8 months AGO
Douglas Trent Zellers. (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. | January 3, 2024 11:00 PM
A 28-year-old faces multiple counts of assault on a peace officer after allegedly injuring a pair of Flathead County Sheriff's Office deputies during a New Year's Day arrest near Kalispell.
Douglas Trent Zellers is scheduled to appear in Flathead County District Court before Judge Amy Eddy on Jan. 11 for his arraignment on the pair of felonies. Assault on a peace officer carries a penalty of between two and 10 years in Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine.
Zellers picked up the charges after deputies responded to Country Way about 1:17 a.m. for a disturbance call, according to court documents. Arrested, Zellers allegedly grew aggressive as authorities attempted to put him in a patrol vehicle.
During the ensuing struggle, Zellers allegedly headbutted one deputy and kicked another in the torso. Both deputies reported suffering pain with one also complaining of shortness of breath, court documents said.
Prosecutors described Zellers as "extremely combative, vulgar and uncooperative" in charging documents. He also smelled of an alcoholic beverage, according to court documents.
News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or [email protected].
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