Assault suspect sought

Kalispell police are asking the public to help locate a man they believe is "extremely dangerous."

Travis Dean Smith, 33, is considered armed and dangerous. No one should approach him, but if he is seen, witnesses should call local law-enforcement officers. Crimestoppers will pay a reward for information leading to his arrest.

He is wanted on charges of aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit embezzlement, in an event that reportedly started in Kalispell Oct. 19 and also moved into Lake County.

Smith reportedly beat his girlfriend severely and held a knife to her throat. He also is accused of coercing her into embezzling a large sum of money from her employer.

Kalispell police detective Lt. Roger Nasset said Smith's girlfriend probably will be charged with embezzlement.

For now, though, authorities are looking for Smith. There is a national alert for his arrest and Montana will have him extradited to face charges no matter where he is found, Nasset said.

He said Smith took the embezzled money from his girlfriend and deposited it in a bank. Police seized most of the money before Smith could spend it and recovered some of the items he bought before the seizure.

Smith is a designated violent offender. He also is wanted in Helena, where he allegedly violated conditions of his release on a prior aggravated assault charge.

Smith was in the valley as recently as the weekend, Nasset said.

"There are drugs involved," he said, including cocaine and steroids.

Smith is 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs 210 pounds. He may be driving a dark blue 2004 Dodge quad-cab pickup with custom wheels and the writing "Hardcore Syndicate" on the back window. The vehicle has tinted windows and the license plate number is 7T-G1176.

Anyone who sees Smith should call 911 immediately.

Reporter Chery Sabol may be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at csabol@dailyinterlake.com