Allegedly pulling a gun during an argument earns man a felony charge
Prosecutors brought Jay Ryan Kaufman up on one count of assault with a weapon following the alleged May 9 confrontation on Fourth Avenue West. He is expected to appear before Judge Paul Sullivan on Thursday for his arraignment.
Neighbors reporting a disturbance possibly involving a gun summoned Kalispell Police officers to the Fourth Avenue West home about 11 p.m., according to court documents. The victim told investigators that Kaufman had driven him home that night and, on the way, the two began arguing. As the victim got out, Kaufman fetched a handgun and leveled it at him, court documents said.
Seeing the firearm pointed at him, the victim began apologizing before begging and pleading for his life, according to court documents.
Another individual at the home told officers that they spotted the two arguing near Kaufman's truck. They reported trying to intervene when they saw Kaufman pull out the weapon, according to court documents.
When authorities later tracked down Kaufman, he acknowledged getting into an argument while driving around with the victim. But he disputed assertions he wielded a gun in the disagreement, according to court documents.
Kaufman allegedly told officers he owned a Taurus 9 mm handgun, and said it was stored in a safe in his home during the alleged confrontation. Investigators, though, found a black Taurus 9 mm handgun in Kaufman's truck, court documents said.
Kaufman was convicted in 2022 of misdemeanor negligent endangerment in Flathead County District Court for pulling a knife on a parking attendant working a lot for patrons of the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo that same year. Initially charged with felony assault with a weapon, Kaufman later took a plea deal.
Judge Amy Eddy, who presided over that case, sentenced him to the county jail for 180 days, all suspended. She also ordered Kaufman to undergo an anger management assessment, participate in any recommended counseling, and pay court fines and fees totaling $325.
If convicted of assault with a weapon, Kaufman faces up to 20 years in Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine.
News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com.
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