Polebridge man charged with arson

A Polebridge man was arrested Thursday after allegedly assaulting a neighbor and later setting fire to the man’s outhouse and shelter.

Kent Royce Johnson, 60, has been charged with felony arson and misdemeanor assault following the apparent escalation of an ongoing dispute between the two North Fork residents.

The Flathead County Attorney’s Office filed the charges Wednesday. The charred remnants of the buildings were discovered near Numa Peak Lane on Sept. 29.

According to an investigation by the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Greg Knutson told deputies that Johnson reached in through the window of his truck Sept. 27 and began punching him.

Knutson said Johnson has been aggressive in the past and views Knutson as an intruder, according to court documents.

Two days after the alleged assault, Knutson received word that his outhouse and yurt — a circular, domed structure often used as a shelter — had been burned.

Detective Pat Walsh visited the property and confirmed that both buildings had been burned to the ground. Johnson approached Walsh and admitted to the arson.

“I told you I’d never lie to you,” Johnson said, according to court documents. “I did burn him out.”

Knutson estimated the value of the burned buildings and contents at $30,000.

An arraignment has not yet been scheduled and Johnson does not have an attorney. He’s being held at the Flathead County Detention Center with bail set at $40,000.

Reporter Eric Schwartz may be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at eschwartz@dailyinterlake.com