Butte felon caught with loaded handgun in laundry; charges filed - Montana Standard
A 42-year-old Butte man who pleaded guilty to felony criminal endangerment in connection with a high-speed police pursuit in March was arrested Thursday after police caught him with a loaded handgun at a Butte self-service laundry. Police say Robert James Peterich was found in the women’s bathroom of the Front Street Laundromat, 1000 East Front St. , about 11:30 p. m. complaining of bowel issues. Two more officers were called to the scene after Peterich locked himself in the bathroom, Sheriff Ed Lester said. Police officers said they were looking for a wanted person and possible owner or driver of a silver 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. He told police he was experiencing “bowel issues” and had no wallet, Lester said, adding that Peterich gave police a phony name and made a comment about killing himself. Lester said police officers had heard the toilet flush several times before Peterich opened the door. Peterich had been released on his own recognizance and was awaiting sentencing after he changed his plea to felony criminal endangerment before Butte district court Judge Brad Newman on June 25. He admitted he drove at a high rate of speed during... The March incident started at a Butte casino when police officers saw Peterich, who was reportedly acting strange and claiming he was. Source: mtstandard.com
