Whitefish man denies car-bashing allegations

A 34-year-old Whitefish man who allegedly led police on a high-speed chase across two counties in February has denied unrelated local allegations against him.

John “Jack” Alexander Saxten IV is charged with felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor partner or family member assault.

According to a court document, Saxten’s mother contacted the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office on Feb. 6 to report he had vandalized her vehicle and said he told her he would shoot any responding officers if she contacted law enforcement.

When deputies arrived, they reportedly found the woman’s vehicle up against a tree with substantial damage.

“It appeared to officers that the vehicle had initially struck a stump in front of the home and then the driver backed up and pulled forward to strike another tree,” the document states. “Additionally, there were dumbbells present that appeared to be used to damage the vehicle.”

Saxten’s wife also allegedly reported she was scared of him and his threats. She told police she had contacted Saxten after he asked her to come to their home, saying he had crashed his mother’s car at her house.

She later allegedly took Saxten’s keys, at which point he reportedly “postured and waved his hands, while moving towards her.” She said she was scared he would assault her.

The court document also alleges Saxten told police “you don’t know how much fun it is to trash a car with dumbbells” after he was taken into custody.

Saxten was arrested again just one week later after apparently fleeing from Glacier County law enforcement and being apprehended in Flathead County after a high-speed chase brought to an abrupt halt with the use of spike strips.

He faces charges in Glacier County for the incident.