Cut Bank man admits assaulting, shooting woman on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

GREAT FALLS — A Cut Bank man accused of assaulting and then shooting and wounding a woman at a residence on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Luke Charles Wells, 32, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and to using a firearm during a crime of violence. Wells faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the assault charge and a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for April 3, 2024. Wells was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that on July 16, Wells was intoxicated at a residence west of Cut Bank, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, when he became angry at the victim, identified as Jane Doe. Doe was in a bathroom when Wells broke down the door and began assaulting her. Doe ran outside to escape. Wells chased her, pulled out a pistol and continued chasing her. Doe tripped and fell, and Wells started shooting at the ground around her. Wells then hit Doe in the head with the gun several times before shooting and wounding her in the chest.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Cut Bank Police Department and Glacier County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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