2 suspected of theft from security vehicle

Two men were arrested Wednesday after allegedly stealing gear from the front of an armored security truck in the Big Mountain area.

Keevin Ward, 18, of Kalispell and Evan Flink, 20, of Missoula were arrested on pending charges of misdemeanor theft, criminal trespass to vehicles and being minors in possession.

According to Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry, the Grizzly Security driver had responded to a call at some condominiums near Winter Lane at about 12:30 a.m..

When he returned to his vehicle, he saw two people running away from it. He found his door open, a bag missing and damage to the light bar controls.

“One of the suspects walked back in his direction, and he asked him where the stolen items were,” Curry said. “He said he didn’t know what the driver was talking about and ran back off in the same direction as the other suspect.”

At that point, the security guard saw a vehicle attempting to leave the area and saw his bag inside the vehicle. He then drew his firearm and pointed it at the vehicle.

“The guy stopped and got out, told the man, ‘Don’t point your gun at me,’ and went to walk away,” Curry said.

He said the driver then told the suspect not to leave but he ignored him and walked away.

When deputies arrived, Curry said, a man walked out of one of the condominiums talking on a cellphone. He was identified as one of the suspects and apprehended. A short time later the second suspect walked out and also was apprehended. Both men reportedly had been drinking.

According to Grizzly Security General Manager Ezra Gray, the men pulled a black control box out of the vehicle, damaging it, and stole a flashlight and a camera.

The security guard — Justin Langolier — then pursued the men, retrieving the control box and apprehending one of them, Gray said.

Gray initially said he didn’t think Langolier drew his gun, but explained that guards could draw their firearms when they believed their lives were in danger.

When the driver drove his vehicle at Langolier, that was a threat that justified pulling out the gun, Gray confirmed.

“He jumped out of the way and let the person go,” Gray said. “He had a license plate number at that time. It’s easier to let them go, and we can always turn that over to sheriff’s deputies and let them take care of it.”

Gray also said it was believed at one point there were three suspects. He said such an incident has never happened to any Grizzly Security employees before.