Ride Guy founder denies assault charge

The man who founded the Ride Guy free taxi service in Whitefish is denying charges that he assaulted a man with pepper spray in downtown Whitefish.

Brian Murchie entered the plea May 7 in Flathead District Court. He has been charged with felony assault with a weapon.

According to court documents, Whitefish police received a call about an assault near the intersection of Railroad Street and Central Avenue on Jan. 24 at 1:13 a.m.

A man told police he had stepped out of the Craggy Range restaurant and was taking a cell phone picture of his girlfriend when Murchie allegedly grabbed the cell phone, forced the man to the ground and sprayed pepper spray in the man’s face.

When questioned about the incident, Murchie allegedly told an officer he felt threatened by the man so he sprayed him. The officer allegedly found Murchie in possession of the man’s cell phone.

According to the Jan. 24 Whitefish police log, Murchie called to report that he was attacked by a male suspect. Murchie told dispatch he was walking up to three people who wanted a taxi ride when the male suspect pointed something at him. When Murchie put his hand up, the male suspect grabbed him, he reported. Murchie said he then used his pepper spray on the male suspect.

A jury trial is scheduled for Oct. 13. Murchie faces up to 20 years and/or a $50,000 fine if convicted.