A Flathead County man pleaded not guilty to felony assault with a weapon after he allegedly threatened a family with a toy gun and demanded pain pills and money.
Travis James Hopkins entered his plea in Flathead County District Court on Aug. 21.
On Aug. 1, Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a home on Sleepy Hollow Road after receiving a report of a suicidal man. Officers were unable to find anyone at the home when they arrived but as they walked around the property they heard a whisper from an open bathroom window.
The woman inside told the officers that Hopkins had chased her son with a gun and threatened to kill himself in front of him if he didn’t give Hopkins pain pills and money. The son refused and Hopkins then turned to the woman and her two grandchildren, again threatening to kill himself in front of them. The woman and the two children ran into a bathroom to hide and Hopkins tried to forcibly enter. Hopkins then left the home.
Officers found Hopkins down the road and were able to gain control of the gun, which turned out to be a toy gun he had painted black.
Hopkins faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $50,000. A trial is set for Nov. 3.