Police Say Man Pulled Trigger In Argument

Wed., March 24, 1999

From Staff

Police arrested a man who allegedly pointed an empty gun at his girlfriend early Tuesday and pulled the trigger at least twice before leaving.

Michael R. Opland, 41, was arrested on charges of aggravated assault, domestic battery, driving while intoxicated and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The incident began when Opland’s girlfriend, Marilyn Pellens, 38, confronted him about call from a woman claiming she had been dating Opland. Pellens left the Newman Lake, Wash., house the couple have shared for the past year and a half and checked into a Coeur d’Alene motel.

Opland showed up at the motel, the two argued and he pulled out a gun, according to a police report. Pellens tried to run into the bathroom and the two began to struggle.

Eventually, Opland pointed the empty pistol at Pellens and pulled the trigger at least twice, according to the police report. He then turned the gun on himself and repeatedly pulled the trigger.

When the gun did not fire, Opland ran from the room to get another gun. Police arrested him several blocks from the motel. Officers said they found a .22-caliber pistol in a tool box inside Opland’s pickup.

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Police Say Man Pulled Trigger In Argument

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

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