Man Awaiting Sentencing Faces Charges in Stabbing

KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) — Flathead County officials have identified the suspect in a weekend stabbing in Evergreen as a man who is awaiting sentencing in a drug case.

Kyle Wesley Puckett of Kalispell was arrested Friday night on suspicion of assault with a weapon and aggravated assault.

Sheriff Chuck Curry says it was unclear how long the 27-year-old victim was left lying outside a residence, but he suffered significant blood loss. Curry says the man has not regained consciousness and remained hospitalized in critical condition on Monday.

Curry says there were several witnesses to the stabbing and that his office is still gathering surveillance video from surrounding businesses.

Puckett, who is 28, was scheduled to be sentenced next week for criminal possession of precursors to dangerous drugs. A November plea agreement recommended a suspended sentence.