BUTTE (AP)
A Butte man was shot in the back of the head by an out-of-town friend near the Berkeley Pit viewing stand, Butte-Silver Bow police reported. Patrick Albert Peltier, 46, of Coram, was charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting Robert Jenkins at close range with a handgun Friday night. “Most of it is still under investigation,” Butte-Silver Bow Sheriff John Walsh told the Montana Standard for a story Tuesday. “We have a lot of work to do before we determine exactly what the event is about.” Walsh said Jenkins’ injury is likely not fatal. Peltier was in Butte to help Jenkins adjust to his release from the pre-release center, scheduled for Monday, and the two men somehow ended up at the viewing stand where Jenkins was shot, Walsh said. Jenkins then flagged down a car and was transported to St. James Healthcare. After hospital staff called the police at 9:45 p.m., Peltier showed up to check on his friend and was arrested. Peltier appeared in Justice Court Monday, where Judge Robert Lee set bail at $250,000 and scheduled a preliminary hearing Aug. 31. If convicted, Peltier could face life in prison.
