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Lincoln County Man Sentenced to Prison for Hitting Cyclist

Brian Norvell hit a cyclist near Rexford in May 2016

By Justin Franz

A 29-year-old Lincoln County man was sentenced to 25 years in prison a year after he hit a cyclist in a non-fatal accident on Montana Highway 37 near Rexford.

Brian Norvell was sentenced to 30 years in the Montana State Prison with five suspended during a hearing in Lincoln County District Court on May 15.

According to court records and law enforcement, Norvell had purposely rundown 21-year-old Luca Johnson who was biking on May 9, 2016. Sheriff Roby Bowe said Norvell had allegedly driven by Johnson at least twice before turning his vehicle and hitting the cyclist from behind. Norvell then stopped the vehicle, took Johnson’s wallet and drove-off. Norvell then ditched his vehicle on Highway 37. Law enforcement found Norvell and placed him under arrest for felony probation violations.

Johnson suffered a skull fracture and multiple broken bones and had to be airlifted to Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Norvell initially denied the allegations but earlier this year pleaded guilty to aggravated assault.