Man arrested in kidnapping and rape case

The Daily Inter Lake

Flathead County Sheriff's Office arrested Lance Vitt Monday night for allegedly holding a woman against her will and raping and assaulting her for hours.

Vitt, 49, is charged with aggravated kidnapping, sexual assault, and assault with a weapon. He may also be charged with possession of an illegal firearm. A shotgun he allegedly used in the assault is not legal in Montana, officers said.

Detective Commander Bruce Parish with the sheriff's office said the 41-year-old woman escaped when Vitt was distracted by someone at his door and she went out a back door. She knows Vitt.

She told officers that on Saturday night, Vitt hit her in the head, face, arms, and legs. She said he raped her, threatened her with a 12-gauge shotgun, and tried to strangle her. The ordeal lasted from about 6 p.m. Saturday night until 10 a.m. Sunday morning, she alleges.

Vitt was arrested at his home on Snowline Lane south of Kalispell.

Vitt has reportedly served time in a federal prison. Parish said Vitt was convicted of possessing a machine gun. He has a long history with local law enforcement.