Man jailed after child wanders off

A 21-year-old Kalispell man is in jail after a 2-year-old boy under his care was found sitting in the middle of the road Tuesday afternoon.

At approximately 12:47 p.m., the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a woman who found the boy sitting on Denver Avenue crying. The boy was wearing a blue shirt and blue sweatpants, and did not have on socks, shoes or a coat despite the 13-degree temperature.

The woman brought the boy into her truck and wrapped him up in a blanket while waiting for deputies to arrive. Upon investigation, the deputies found the boy’s footprints in the snow and followed them to an unlocked house.

According to Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry, deputies found a 10-month old girl inside as well as Russell Flanigan, who was asleep in bed. When they woke Flanigan he was disoriented and confused, Curry said. When asked if he knew where the boy was, he said “I guess not."

After continued investigation of the home, deputies found several marijuana plants in the garage, some mature and some juvenile. They confirmed that Flanigan does not have a medical marijuana card.

Flanigan was arrested on preliminary charges of criminal manufacturing of dangerous drugs, a felony, and misdemeanor negligent endangerment, as well as an active warrant for criminal contempt. The children were taken into custody by the local Family Services office..”

After continued investigation of the home, deputies found several marijuana plants in the garage, some mature and some juvenile. They confirmed that Flanigan does not have a medical marijuana card.

Flanigan was arrested on preliminary charges of criminal manufacturing of dangerous drugs, a felony, and misdemeanor negligent endangerment, as well as an active warrant for criminal contempt. The children were taken into custody by the local Family Services office.