Accused casino burglar linked to three others

| December 28, 2004 1:00 AM

The Daily Inter Lake

A man arrested while allegedly burglarizing a Kalispell casino has been linked to three other burglaries over the weekend.

Kalispell police arrested Daniel Gene Townsend, 26, shortly after midnight Sunday when they responded to a burglary alarm at Best Bet Casino on Idaho Street.

Officers spotted a man, apparently rummaging for cash, going through cupboards inside the casino. The man reportedly entered the building by going through the roof, where he caused extensive damage.

The casino's owner let police into the building where they arrested Townsend. He was charged with felony burglary and felony criminal mischief.

Around 11:30 a.m. Sunday, officers investigating a burglary at Los Caporales on U.S. 93 found similarities to the casino break-in.

And after investigators spoke with Townsend later Sunday, they concluded he may have burglarized Southside Speedy Lube and the Dance Art Center on Christmas Eve.

Townsend is in the county jail, being held for the four burglaries.