fbpx

Kalispell Inmate Denies Attacking Female Jail Guard

Robert James Price pleaded not guilty to assault on a peace officer on Aug. 28

By Justin Franz

An inmate at the Flathead County Detention Center reportedly attacked a female jailer and tried to drag her into his cell on Aug. 18, according to court documents.

Robert James Price pleaded not guilty to felony assault on a peace officer Aug. 28 in Flathead County District Court.

Price was in the detention center for his sixth driving under the influence offense when he was being moved for medical reasons. During the medical pass, Price became agitated with the female sergeant who was moving him. To try and calm him, the officer returned Price to his cell.

Price walked backwards into the cell and grabbed the sergeant and tried to drag her behind the bars, according to prosecutors. Another officer tried to radio for help, but her radio failed. As Price continued to pull her into the cell and make sexually degrading remarks toward her, the sergeant braced herself against the door of the cell. Finally, as Price let go, the officers tried to shut the cell door but the inmate charged the door. The officers were able to push back and lock the cell door.

Later that day, according to court documents, Price saw the same officer again and threatened her, saying “I could have thrown you on the ground and ripped you apart if I wanted to. Don’t make those kind of mistakes like that with men like me.”

If convicted Price could face 10 years in prison and pay a fine of $50,000.

A trial has been set for Feb. 2, 2015.