A Polson man who barricaded himself inside his home and fired shots at law enforcement officers in 2024 entered into a plea agreement in District Court in Polson Jan. 5. 

Ricky Scott Riebe, 64, entered a nolo contendre (no contest) plea to eight counts of assault on a peace or judicial officer. The plea agreement contemplates a joint recommendation of 20 years in the Montana State Prison with none of that time suspended.

The judge is not bound by the agreement. Riebe was already adjudicated on DUI and bail jumping charges, according to Lake County Attorney James Lapokta. He was sentenced to time served on those matters.

According to court records, and a press release issued by Lake County Sheriff Don Bell, on April 6, 2024, at about 6:45 p.m., Lake County 911 dispatchers received a call stating that a domestic disturbance had taken place on Kerr Dam Road. The report was made by a relative of the victim who was en route to an area hospital.

The victim told the responding officers that she tried to wake Riebe up, but when he did wake up he began to argue with her. She said he grabbed a bottle of vodka and struck her on the top of the head with it.

She asked Riebe why he was beating her to which he replied, “just shut up.” She stated that Riebe punched her with closed fists and got on top of her and that she couldn’t breathe.

The officers observed marks under her eyes, dried blood under her right eye and left index finger. The officers also noticed that her temple area appeared swollen and bruised, as was her chin and right forearm. She also indicated that the top of her head hurt.

The officers responded to the residence at about 7:30 p.m. to arrest Riebe for partner or family member assault. The officers knocked on the door and Riebe refused to answer and stated, “I will defend myself and you will get shot.”

The officers called for back-up which came from Polson Police, Ronan Police, St. Ignatius and eventually the Flathead County SWAT Team with two armored vehicles. Negotiations continued until about 11:30 p.m. when chemical agent (cold gas) munitions were deployed inside the home.

Riebe then began firing rounds at law enforcement officer’s positions. Several of the officers could hear bullets fly past or impact near them. Several shots were also fired at the two armored units. Officers never returned fire.

As the officers were about to deploy more chemical agents inside the home, Riebe exited the residence and was subdued by a K-9 unit.

Judge John A. Mercer set sentencing for Feb. 19. Riebe remains in custody with bond totaling $250,000.