Bigfork man admits to firing assault rifle

A Bigfork man admitted to firing rounds from an assault rifle during a domestic disturbance with his girlfriend.

Andres Michael Russell, 28, entered a plea of guilty in District Court in Polson on March 5 to misdemeanor partner or family member assault and felony criminal endangerment. The plea was entered as part of an agreement that calls for a joint recommendation of one year in the Lake County Jail with all but one day suspended on the assault charge and a five-year commitment to the Montana Department of Corrections with all that time suspended for criminal endangerment. The judge is not bound by the agreement.

According to charging documents, on Oct. 9, 2024, a Lake County Sheriff’s deputy responded to multiple reports of numerous shots fired. One report indicated about 20 shots were fired in rapid succession, and that someone yelled, “I’m going to kill you.”

At the scene, a deputy spoke with a witness who stated he saw part of an altercation between Russell and his girlfriend. The girlfriend had driven away.

Deputies went to the location where the incident occurred and found several spent shell casings, 27 in all. An assault rifle was located nearby.

The deputies also located the alleged victim, and she indicated that Russell had yelled at her and told her to get out and broke a television. Then he allegedly went outside and fired into the air.

The next day, a neighbor reported finding a bullet hole in their residence, presumably from the night before.

Judge Molly Owen set a sentencing date of April 23. Russell remains at liberty.