A 42-year-old Flathead County man has been accused of attacking his girlfriend and threatening to kill her in more than 40 jailhouse phone calls.
Gabriel Steven Little Dog pleaded not guilty to charges of felony assault with a weapon, threats in official matters and tampering with witnesses or informants on May 18 in Flathead County District Court.
According to court documents, Little Dog got into a confirmation with his girlfriend at her home in Whitefish in April. During the fight, Little Dog allegedly punched the woman, pulled her hair and threatened her with a knife. The woman pleaded for her life and eventually escaped to North Valley Hospital, where she received medical treatment and contacted law enforcement.
A Flathead County Sheriff’s deputy arrested Little Dog near where the alleged incident occurred. While in the back of the police vehicle, Little Dog threatened the officers and their families. Little Dog was charged with assault with a weapon and threats in official matters.
During an initial appearance, Little Dog was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim in the case. But in early May, Little Dog allegedly called the victim more than 40 times, telling her “I will kill you when I get out.” Little Dog allegedly ordered the woman to have the county attorney’s office drop the charges and for her to buy a marriage certificate even though they are not married. In another call, Little Dog threatened to “annihilate” law enforcement officers and listed a number of weapons he had access to.
After pleading not guilty to all the charges during the May 18 hearing, the defendant requested that he be released on his own recognizance. Judge Heidi Ulbricht denied the motion. As Little Dog was lead out of the courtroom, he muttered unprintable obscenities about a number of people.
Little Dog will stand trial in September. If convicted, Little Dog could face up to 40 years in prison.