A Columbia Falls man is in custody after allegedly threatening family members with a sword and rifle on Saturday, Feb. 21. 

At approximately noon the Columbia Falls Police Department responded to a report of a disturbance with a weapon in the 400 block of 3rd Ave West, in Columbia Falls. Responding officers determined an assault had taken place with a sword and a firearm. The two victims were able to get out of the home, uninjured, leaving the 54-year-old male suspect in the home alone.  

Despite multiple attempts by Columbia Falls Police officers to convince the suspect to surrender, he refused and remained in the home, according to a release. 

Columbia Falls Police then requested assistance from the Northwest Montana Regional SWAT Team to assist in taking the suspect into custody. The suspect eventually emerged from the home and confronted SWAT Team members, according to a press release. 

The suspect allegedly refused to follow commands and was subsequently taken into custody by using less lethal munitions which were fired behind him and a canine, which took the man down and police subsequently arrested him. The man suffered a few scratches and was taken to the hospital for treatment. 

He was later booked into the Flathead County Detention Center on two assault with a weapon charges and resisting arrest. 

He was later identified as David Erik Silverstein.  

Columbia Falls Police Chief Chad Stephens said there are mental health factors in the case. 

Stephens noted that in his experience, bringing in the SWAT team under these circumstances often ends in a peaceful resolution, as SWAT teams have many more tools available that a patrolman doesn’t have. 

The Northwest Montana Regional SWAT Team is comprised of members of the Whitefish Police Department, Kalispell Police Department, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, and Polson Police Department. Stephens thanked them for their efforts in the matter.