A Marion man has been charged with assault with a weapon after allegedly spraying his mom in the face with bear repellent.
Joshua James Gomez pleaded not guilty to the felony charge in Flathead County District Court on March 31.
According to court documents, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a disturbance on Marion Pines Drive on March 4. Upon arrival, authorities spoke with a woman who said she was temporarily blinded after her son emptied a can of bear spray at her face. She also complained of an intense burning sensation in her eyes and was having trouble breathing.
A deputy placed Gomez in the back of his patrol car where the man reportedly admitted to spraying his mom in the face with the repellent.
If convicted, Gomez could face up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. He is set to go to trial in May.