Vandalism suspects to be tried as adults

The Daily Inter Lake

Police have identified James Kubai and Anton Golovko as the youths arrested in connection with Monday night's vandalism at Flathead High School.

The 17-year-old boys, both of Kalispell, were arrested Wednesday. Both have been charged with burglary, felony criminal mischief and felony theft.

Golovko also is charged with resisting arrest after a standoff Wednesday with the Kalispell Police Department SWAT team at his home on Great View Drive in south Kalispell.

Kubai was arrested separately without incident.

Golovko and Kubai are being held at the Juvenile Detention Center. Although they are only 17, they will be tried as adults, Kalispell Detective Sgt. Scott Warnell said.

Police Chief Roger Nasset described both boys as "disgruntled prior students" at the high school.

Flathead administrators would not release information about them.

Golovko and Kubai were arrested after a rapid investigation that was boosted by several anonymous calls identifying the suspects Wednesday morning. Warrants were issued to search each boy's home.

Evidence collected from both homes link Kubai and Golovko to the crimes, Warnell said.

As a result of the searches, Kubai and Golovko are being investigated for other crimes they may have committed.

"The Sheriff's Office had some burglaries they will be talking to them about," Warnell said.

In the Monday-night rampage, seven cafeteria vending machines were damaged, seven windows were shot with a BB gun, a phone was ripped off the wall and a vehicle window was smashed in the parking lot. Graffiti also was painted on cafeteria walls.

Nasset said the damage will exceed $10,000.