Police investigating alleged assault on football players

The Kalispell Police Department will be undertaking a criminal investigation of an alleged assault on several Glacier High School freshmen football players that took place on a bus returning from a game.

School Resource Officer Jason Parce confirmed Thursday that a school investigation was ongoing, to be followed by an official police investigation he would lead next week. He said families of the victims he has spoken with have asked the Kalispell Police Department to complete a criminal investigation and bring charges against any involved parties.

So far, six students suspected of participating in the incident have been suspended and kicked off the football team. Kalispell police have received at least three calls regarding the incident from parents and a grandparent of students involved.

“As of right now, we do have several victims, and I’ve spoken with at least two of the sets of parents just on my own with the kids and the parents,” Parce said.

He explained that, as a school resource officer, he is an employee of the Kalispell Police Department who works with the school through an agreement, but that he cannot be directly involved in the school’s investigation. When they have finished, however, they will turn their findings over to him.

“They’re being extremely thorough with their investigation, which I appreciate, because it makes it easier for me,” Parce said, noting “this is obviously a high-profile thing. Lots of people in the community are talking about it.”

He added that it is just as important to identify those students who were not guilty and not involved as it is to find those who were and hold them responsible.

Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Darlene Schottle said she was as yet unaware of any charges being pursued. She said any new information regarding the incident needs to go through the legal system before she could comment further.

Parce said he will begin his own investigation after getting the school’s report.

“I anticipate at this time that I will have my investigation finished next week and that charges, if any, will be handed out at that time,” he said. “This is something that’s still unfolding, and I’m still getting new information every day.”

Schottle’s office confirmed Thursday that freshman linebacker coach/defensive coordinator Ross Darner has resigned in the wake of the incident.

According to GoPackFootball.com, Darner spent 10 years as head coach of the Glacier Twins A and AA baseball programs and three years as varsity head coach of the girls and boys basketball programs at Turner High School before joining the Glacier High School football program in 2007. He is currently a teacher at Evergreen Junior High.

Darner was unavailable for comment, but Schottle did talk about the resignation.

“When speaking about the situation, [Darner] felt very bad about his lack of involvement and decided it was in the best interest of the team if he resigned,” Schottle said.

A volunteer with the freshman team who was on the bus has also stepped down from any duties, according to Schottle.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at jdavis@dailyinterlake.com.