The Marion man who sprayed his mom in the face with bear repellent has been given a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to misdemeanor partner family member assault.
Joshua James Gomez appeared in Flathead County District Court on April 27 at a change of plea and sentencing hearing.
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.
Gomez was initially charged with felony assault with a weapon and pleaded not guilty at an arraignment on March 31. In a plea deal, the charge was amended to misdemeanor assault and he was given a six-month sentence to the Flathead County Detention Center with all but four days suspended, giving him credit for time he already served. Gomez also had to pay a $100 fine and do 40 hours of domestic violence counseling.