A Coram man accused of beating another individual with a metal pipe during a fight in 2025 received a suspended sentence earlier this year.  

Prosecutors brought 39-year-old Russell Loren Tolbert Jr. up on a felony count of assault with a weapon in Flathead County District Court following the May 12, 2025, assault. Although he maintained his innocence at his arraignment later that month, Tolbert took a deal just a few months later.  

In exchange for a guilty plea to an amended charge of criminal endangerment, prosecutors agreed to recommend he receive a suspended five-year sentence and drop a separate bail jumping case against him. Appearing before Judge Paul Sullivan on Oct. 30, 2025, Tolbert entered a guilty plea. Sullivan stuck to the terms of the agreement at Tolbert's March 19 sentencing and gave him credit for 52 days of time served.  

Authorities began searching for Tolbert after responding to an assault at a Bear Street home about 3:51 p.m., according to court documents. The victim, left with wounds to his leg and chest, was hospitalized before giving Flathead County Sheriff's Office deputies a statement. 

But another individual at the home identified Tolbert as the attacker, court documents said.  

Deputies, using a K9 unit, found Tolbert allegedly hiding near railroad tracks. Tolbert described the victim as irritating and acknowledged the two fought, according to court documents.  

Although Tolbert accused the victim of attacking him, investigators found no marks or injuries on him, court documents said.