A Missoula judge set bail at $75,000 for a man accused of having a large fire and firing off approximately 40 rounds on Sunday evening after receiving an eviction notice.
Chad Couture was arrested early Monday morning for felony assault with a weapon and criminal endangerment and misdemeanor criminal mischief after allegedly firing several rounds with more than one firearm at his former foreman and two of his family members.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, Couture was living on the property at Six Mile Road and Huson as a term of employment. Couture was no longer employed with the business and had subsequently been served an eviction notice two days prior.
Justice Court Judge Landee Holloway informed Couture of the allegations made in the charging documents in court Tuesday.
Deputy County Attorney Cierra Anderson requested bail for $100,000 with special conditions should it be posted, noting that Couture does have a criminal history.
Holloway set bail at $75,000, noting reasonable concern for public safety. Should Couture post bail, he is to have no contact with witnesses or victims, and is not to return to the property where the incident occurred.
He is to have no possession of firearms or other dangerous weapons. He also must abide by any orders of protection filed against him on behalf of the alleged victims.
According to the affidavit, Missoula County sheriff’s deputies were called to a residence at Six Mile and Huson Road around 11:30 p.m. Sunday.
The complainant, referred to as “Jane Doe” in court documents, informed police that Couture was on her property, had a large fire and was shooting firearms erratically.
An officer was informed of the eviction notice upon arrival and was aware of the employment situation, according to the affidavit.
After Couture was arrested, Jane Doe informed law enforcement that Couture had gotten into an argument with her about an eviction notice about an hour before law enforcement was contacted.
Deputies at the scene were informed that Jane Doe and two of her family members, including Couture’s former foreman, were in their residence approximately 25-50 yards from where Couture was allegedly shooting.
The family was instructed to shelter in place. An officer on scene reportedly observed Couture throw furniture into the fire, shoot several rounds in rapid succession, reload, and continue to shoot.
The officer reported hearing approximately 40 rounds fired from both a rifle and a pistol and seeing Couture carrying a gas can and strategically placing tanks around the property.
The officer requested the Bearcat armored vehicle be deployed, according to the affidavit, at approximately 12:30 a.m. Monday, law enforcement approached Couture with the Bearcat and informed Couture that he was under arrest. Couture reportedly complied and was arrested without further incident. Law enforcement noted that he appeared to be intoxicated.
Jane Doe reportedly has applied for a protection order against Couture.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 3 at 9 a.m. in district court.
Originally published on missoulian.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
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