HAMILTON, Mont. (AP) — Police say an 83-year-old Hamilton man pointed a gun at officers who had been called to perform a welfare check on him.

The Ravalli Republic reports (http://bit.ly/1iip3Uf ) John Curtis Hjelter was arrested and charged with assault on a peace officer and assault with a weapon.

He appeared Monday before substitute Justice of the Peace Jennifer Ray.

Court documents say neighbors called police Saturday after seeing a flash of light inside Hjelter's home. They were concerned for his welfare when he didn't answer his phone.

The documents say Hjelter believed the responding deputies were trying to steal from him, and he made them duck for cover by waving and pointing a handgun.

Hjelter went back inside when a neighbor drove up. A warrant was issued and he was arrested Monday.

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