Man denies Christmas Eve brawl

A Whitefish man has pleaded not guilty to charges of felony aggravated assault stemming from a Christmas Eve fight that put one man in the hospital with a broken jaw.

William Arthur Hotzfield, 22, entered the plea Feb. 19 in Flathead County District Court.

On Dec. 24, 2014 at 1:40 a.m., Whitefish police responded to a report of a man knocked out and snoring in the snow after a fight downtown.

According to court documents, police found the man with blood around his mouth and a swollen jaw. He was transported by ambulance to North Valley Hospital where it was determined he had suffered a fractured jawbone.

According to witness statements, Hotzfield and the man were arguing outside The Palace bar on Central Avenue. As the argument escalated, Hotzfield allegedly punched the man in the face, knocking him to the ground. Witnesses allege Hotzfield then stood over the man and repeatedly punched him.

Hotzfield faces 20 years in state prison and a maximum fine of $50,000.

A jury trial is set for Aug. 10.