Saturday, September 12, 2026
53.0°F

Woman accused of firing handgun during argument gets deferred prosecution agreement

DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 9 months AGO
by DERRICK PERKINS
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. | December 10, 2025 11:00 PM

A woman charged for allegedly firing a handgun in a Kalispell home after an argument with her boyfriend in 2024 subsequently saw her felony case end in a deferred prosecution agreement.  

Prosecutors brought Andrea Lynn Briggs, 38, up on one count of assault with a weapon following the alleged Jan. 21, 2024 shooting on Fifth Avenue East North. She pleaded not guilty before then Judge Robert Allison in Flathead County District Court on Feb. 8 of that year.  

In June, though, Briggs reached a deferred prosecution agreement with prosecutors. Under the terms of the arrangement, Briggs was to remain law abiding for a year and agree to not possess firearms.  

Briggs inked the deal in June 2024. On June 12, Deputy County Attorney John Donovan filed a motion to dismiss without prejudice. Allison granted the request that same day. 

Stopped by Kalispell Police officers after the alleged shooting, Briggs told the authorities she pulled the trigger in the hopes of impressing upon her boyfriend the severity of their disagreement, according to court documents. 

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


ARTICLES BY DERRICK PERKINS

September 11, 2026 8:20 a.m.

Columbia Falls therapist faces child pornography, other charges

A Flathead Valley therapist is facing multiple felonies, including 15 counts of sexual abuse of children, after authorities allegedly found child porn, drugs and bomb components during a Sept. 2 raid of his Columbia Falls home.

Man fired upon by Kalispell Police officers allegedly hurled cans, rocks during confrontation
September 11, 2026 midnight

Man fired upon by Kalispell Police officers allegedly hurled cans, rocks during confrontation

The man arrested after Kalispell Police officers opened fire earlier this month allegedly hurled rocks, cans and bottles at them during the confrontation.

Therapist accused of keeping cache of child porn, bomb parts
September 11, 2026 midnight

Therapist accused of keeping cache of child porn, bomb parts

Scott Thomas McFarlane, 41, is being held in the county jail with bail set at $1 million following the search of his Shadow Wood Drive home.