Wanted Kalispell man arrested at gunpoint

A 28-year-old Kalispell man is in the Flathead County jail after fleeing a deputy who was attempting to arrest him on nearly a dozen outstanding warrants Monday.

David William Stewart was arrested at gunpoint after jumping out of his Honda Accord at about 3:30 p.m. and running away from deputies behind Super 1 Foods in Evergreen.

Sheriff Chuck Curry said Stewart had needles and apparent methamphetamine residue when he was taken into custody.

He had several warrants for alleged crimes ranging from criminal possession of dangerous drugs, possession of paraphernalia and theft to criminal contempt, bail jumping and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Curry said his office will recommend new charges of possession of dangerous drugs, reckless driving, resisting arrest, obstructing a peace officer, failure to insure his vehicle and having fictitious license plates.

The chase started after the deputy spotted Stewart’s vehicle at a gas station on U.S. 2 East. Stewart fled in the vehicle when the deputy attempted to stop him and drove into the Super 1 Foods parking lot.

“He drove to the east side of the store, jumped out and started running on foot,” Curry said.

The deputy chased him through a wooded area and eventually ordered him to the ground at gunpoint.

A woman that was with him also was arrested. Jessica Caroline Tonga, 18, was found inside the store’s restroom.

She allegedly had two pipes, one used to smoke methamphetimine and another used to smoke marijuana, Curry said.

Tonga and Stewart both were being held in the Flathead County Detention Center Tuesday.