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Man Enters Plea in Kalispell Shooting

By Beacon Staff

KALISPELL (AP) – A Kalispell man accused of shooting another man in the back after an argument in February has pleaded guilty to some charges in the case and not guilty to others.

Kenneth Kraus pleaded guilty Wednesday to assault with a weapon and two counts of criminal endangerment, but pleaded not guilty to one count each of aggravated assault and attempted aggravated assault.

Prosecutors initially charged Kraus with attempted murder, but amended the charges after having difficulty proving intent, said Deputy Flathead County Attorney Dan Guzynski.

Kraus shot Steve Gengler in the back with a .22-caliber pistol on Feb. 5, after Gengler gave Kraus’ wife a ride home from a bar, according to court documents. Kraus and Gengler had argued earlier at the bar.

Gengler was shot in the back and the bullet remains lodged in his spine, according to court records.

Kraus faces up to 40 years in prison for the three charges he pleaded guilty to on Wednesday.