BILLINGS — The man prosecutors say injured a police officer earlier this month pleaded not guilty in Yellowstone County District Court on Thursday morning.
William Chenry Melcher, 30, is accused of ramming three Billings officers, injuring one and drawing fire from two. He was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The two officers- Brett Hilde and Jeremy Boeckel- were placed on paid administrative leave, which is typical for an officer-involved shooting.
He has been charged with four felonies and faces up to 50 years in prison.
The incident happened on Oct. 9 and he is charged with four felonies: two counts of assault with a weapon, criminal endangerment and criminal mischief. He also faces $150,500 in fines.
His bail was set at $100,000. Prosecutors said he is on felony probation for meth possession and has active warrants for probation violations.
Melcher is in the Yellowstone County Detention Facility.
His next court date has not yet been set.
Hilde returned to work this week and Boeckel is still on leave, according to Lt. Brandon Wooley.
Officer Tracy Icard was taken to a local hospital with neck and jaw pain and Wooley said he returned to work his next shift.
