Suspect in shooting by Marion bar pleads not guilty

KALISPELL (AP) – A man accused of shooting two people outside a northwest Montana bar has pleaded not guilty.

The Flathead Beacon reports 27-year-old Leif Lee denied charges Thursday of assault with a weapon and criminal endangerment stemming from the June 14 shooting in Marion.

Investigators say a witness intervened in an altercation between Lee and a woman when Lee pulled a gun. The witness reportedly tried to grab the gun when it went off.

The witness was struck in the hand and arm, and one of the bullets also struck the woman in the arm. The woman, of Bigfork, was hospitalized with serious injuries.

Officials say Lee fled on a motorcycle but called police the next day, acknowledging his involvement.