Two arrested in alleged beating over drug debt

An apparent attempt at collecting a drug debt landed two men in jail Wednesday night after they allegedly beat a Hungry Horse man with a sawed-off shotgun, according to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

Thomas William Rupert, 19, and Joshua Allen Rosalez, 28, had been stopped by deputies while driving in Hungry Horse when the 36-year-old victim reported the alleged assault.

Sheriff Chuck Curry said deputies planned to arrest Rupert for outstanding warrants and were in the process of taking him into custody when the alleged victim called in at about 11:15 p.m.

Both Rupert and Rosalez were booked into the Flathead County Detention Center early Thursday morning on suspicion of robbery or attempted robbery. Rupert’s truck was impounded and a search is expected after a warrant is obtained, he said.

Curry said his department still is investigating the incident, but he provided a likely narrative based on witness statements and evidence.

He said Rupert, Rosalez and another man went to the alleged victim’s home on First Avenue Southeast Wednesday evening. At some point, Rosalez allegedly pulled a sawed-off shotgun from his clothing and demanded $1,400 from the victim, Curry said.

The victim apparently grabbed a nearby assault rifle before he was overcome by Rupert and Rosalez, who allegedly proceeded to beat him. The third man fled the home, Curry said.

The victim reported he was bleeding profusely from his head but refused medical attention, Curry said.

Rupert and Rosalez remained in custody on Thursday. Bail has not yet been set for either man.