A man accused of attacking a woman inside an automobile in October is facing the revocation of his deferred sentence on an aggravated assault conviction.  

Tyler Craig Arterburn, 21, of Whitefish, allegedly began yelling and cursing at the woman, who was driving the automobile the pair was traveling in on Oct. 2, after she told him she had moved on from their relationship. He grabbed the steering wheel and jerked it, sending the vehicle into a guardrail, according to court documents.  

When Montana Highway Patrol troopers and Flathead County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the crash, the victim told them that Arterburn had hit her on the nose with a vape and pulled her hair while continuing to punch her, court documents said. When she asked him if he was trying to kill her, he allegedly responded with a blunt "Yes, I will kill you." 

Arterburn fled before authorities arrived, court documents said.  

Prosecutors filed a petition to revoke Arterburn's six-year deferred sentence in Flathead County District Court on Oct. 14, citing a violation report from the 21-year-old's probation and parole officer, Tyler Knust. Arterburn's "adjustment to supervision has been poor," Knust wrote.  

"His lack of commitment to living a sober lifestyle has become evident with this current behavior and lack of treatment," Knust added. "His original violent offense was committed while under the influence of alcohol. The current violation again shows his lack of concern for public safety when he consumes alcohol." 

Arterburn, Tyler wrote, was also cited in August for driving under the influence of alcohol.  

Appearing before Judge Amy Eddy on Oct. 16, Arterburn denied the allegations. He is expected back in court on Nov. 18.  

Eddy handed down Arterburn's deferred sentence in January after the 21-year-old took a deal with prosecutors that saw him plead guilty to aggravated assault. Arterburn earned the felony charge for attacking another patron inside an Evergreen gas station on July 20, 2024.  

During the confrontation, Arterburn punched and then tackled the other man, knocking his head against a drink fridge. Surveillance footage showed Arterburn continuing to beat the other man even after he had gone limp. Before departing, Arteburn stomped on the other man's head, court documents said.  

If the court finds Arterburn in violation of the conditions of his deferred sentence, Knust recommended, he receive a 10-year stint in Montana State Prison.  

"Due to continued violent behavior, I no longer recommend treatment and pre-release," Knust wrote. 

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