Whitefish deer shooter charged

Charges have been filed against a 22-year-old Whitefish man for the Jan. 7 shooting of two deer near downtown Whitefish.

Tarn W. Sandelin was expected to surrender to officers late Thursday on an arrest warrant, according to a press release from the Whitefish Police Department. He faces misdemeanor charges of criminal mischief, discharging a firearm within city limits and negligent endangerment.

Through information from the crime scene, tips obtained through Crime Stoppers and a witness statement, officers were able to identify Sandelin as the culprit in the incident. Police Chief Bill Dial said Sandelin cooperated fully after confronted with the details of the investigation.

Sandelin is alleged to have killed one mule deer doe and wounded another that had to be destroyed. Some shots also went through a pet store, destroying equipment inside. No people were injured.

Dial commended residents for their help in solving the “senseless and extremely reckless crimes.”

In addition to the city charges — for which bond has been set at $2,000 — Sandelin also will face charges from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Those charges have not yet been released.

If convicted of the three misdemeanors, Sandelin faces up to one year in the Flathead County Detention Center and a $3,000 fine.

The investigation was a joint effort between Whitefish police and the state agency.