Whitefish man facing felony weapon charge

A Whitefish man is in jail after allegedly brandishing a knife, kicking and punching a man and fleeing from police while downtown.

Tracey Jade Johnston, 43, has been charged in Flathead District Court with felony assault with a weapon, along with charges for disorderly conduct and obstructing a peace officer. He is currently being held at the Flathead County Detention Center. An arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 18.

According to a Whitefish Police report, Johnston on July 13 was riding his bike in circles and insulting a woman near Central Avenue and East First Street. After he left the woman, documents state, Johnston crossed the street and began threatening two onlookers. After trading insults, Johnston allegedly began punching and kicking one of the men, who tried to block the attacks with a piece of cardboard.

Johnston then reportedly left the victim to go inside a bar before returning to the men a few minutes later. After more insults were traded, Johnston allegedly brandished a knife before bystanders tried to intervene. Johnston reportedly ran into another bar as police arrived then continued to flee on foot while police followed in a patrol car.

Johnston was arrested while in possession of a black-handled Gerber knife, documents state.

The felony charge against Johnston is the latest in a string of his recent arrests.

On July 2, Johnston was arrested downtown and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was then arrested two days later at City Beach and charged with indecent exposure, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

In December, Johnston pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of criminal possession of dangerous drugs. He could face five years in prison and a max fine of $50,000 if convicted.