Man charged with using kids as shields from police

HELENA (AP) – A Helena man is charged with threatening police officers with a hammer when they tried to arrest and then using his children as shields after officers drew their weapons.

The Independent Record reports 48-year-old Jimie Paul Mayes is charged with criminal endangerment and assault on a peace officer. He made an initial appearance in Justice Court on Thursday and did not enter a plea.

The confrontation happened as officers tried to arrest Mayes on a bail jumping warrant on Jan. 28.

Mayes had been convicted of partner/family member assault and issuing a bad check on Nov. 20 and was given a suspended sentence. The state filed a petition to revoke his suspended sentences and he didn't show up for a Jan. 8 hearing.

Mayes has requested a public defender.