Shooting suspect pleads not guilty

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man accused of shooting another man during an alcohol-fueled dispute at Bloom Lake pleaded not guilty on Monday.

Michael Jesse Chisholm’s plea set’s the stage for a Nov. 16 trial in 1st District Court. Chisholm is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and use of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Chisholm, 66, faces up to 15 years on the felony battery charge. The firearm enhancement could add another 15 years of imprisonment.

Chisholm is accused of opening fire on a guest at his home on June 28. The man was shot in the back, but survived.

Chisholm’s defense counsel, Deputy Public Defender Dan Taylor, said his client opened fire because he feared the alleged victim was going to shoot him first.

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