A man accused of punching a Kalispell Police officer during his arrest near a city park in 2023 later received a deferred sentence in Flathead County District Court.  

Prosecutors charged Dennis Wayne Prichard, 56, of Kalispell with felony assault on a peace officer and misdemeanor counts of assault and criminal mischief after an alleged string of confrontations near Woodland Park on June 18, 2023. Though he pleaded not guilty, Prichard accepted a plea deal in June 2024.  

In exchange for him pleading guilty to the felony charge, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the two misdemeanors. They also agreed to recommend Prichard receive a deferred three-year sentence and pay restitution.  

Judge Dan Wilson stuck to the terms of the agreement when handing down the sentence in July of that year. Wilson gave Prichard credit for 111 days of time served and ordered him to pay a combined $1,357.92 in restitution.  

Authorities began searching for Prichard after he allegedly attacked an employee of a Woodland Park Drive bar June 18, 2023. During the fight, Prichard broke the window of a parked car, court documents said.  

He was previously barred from the bar's premises, according to court documents.  

Witnesses told authorities that Prichard had headed off in the direction of Woodland Park. Officers found him nearby with several other men.  

When Prichard ignored an order to get onto his knees, officers deployed a Taser, court documents said. But it failed to stop Prichard, who allegedly punched the officer. During the ensuing brawl, Prichard allegedly landed several blows to the officer's face, causing pain, swelling and soreness.  

Other officers eventually arrived to provide backup and they cuffed Prichard, according to court documents.  

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