Prosecutors dismissed last month the felony case against an Evergreen father accused of wounding his child with a shotgun blast in February.  

Joseph Salo, 31, was brought up on a count of assault on a minor in Flathead County District Court following the alleged Feb. 23 incident and prosecutors later tacked on a felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs charge. He pleaded not guilty to both. 

In October, though, prosecutors filed an unopposed motion to dismiss the case, citing issues with evidence.  

"One of the law enforcement agencies involved failed to preserve evidence in this case," Flathead County Attorney Travis Ahner wrote in the Oct. 13 motion. "Based upon the unique facts and circumstances of this case, the state is of the position that the interests of justice warrant dismissal.  

Judge Amy Eddy, who presided over the case, ordered it dismissed that same day.  

Flathead County Sheriff's Office deputies began investigating Salo after Logan Health Medical Center personnel reported treating a child for a gunshot wound, according to court documents. The child received medical care for about 20 wounds consistent with shotgun pellets on her legs and lower abdomen.  

The shotgun went off during an alcohol-fueled family argument inside a home in Evergreen, according to court documents. Witnesses said that Salo was the only person in the room with the firearm when the blast occurred, according to court documents.