Shooting spree: Damage reports rising

Reports of damage from a Sunday morning vandalism spree are continuing to come in to the Kalispell Police Department.

It was initially reported that windows were shot out on more than 100 vehicles across town between 4:30 and 7 a.m. Sunday.

Police Chief Roger Nasset said he had heard of 15 new reports by noon Tuesday.

“I think people who were gone for a long weekend or maybe have vehicles they don’t use on a regular basis are discovering damage that has not already been reported,” Nasset said. “We’re also seeing some who maybe thought there was no use reporting it and are now seeing people in custody and coming forward.”

Police arrested four teenage boys — Shadeau Fritz, 16, of Kalispell; Maclean Ryder, 17, of Kila; Matthew Winchester, 14, of Kalispell; and Francisco Manzo Diaz, 17, of Kalispell — on Monday on preliminary charges of felony criminal mischief.

In addition to the arrests, police found two carbon-dioxide-cartridge BB guns used in the crimes.

Speaking at the City Council meeting on Monday, Nasset said the department feels good about the quick arrests.

“It was a combination of citizens coming forward with information, businesses assisting with their surveillance and good police work,” Nasset said.

According to police dispatch logs, the department received 58 calls about the incidents between 6:40 a.m. Sunday and 1:15 p.m. Tuesday. That does not include all reports, including vehicles officers may have discovered were damaged during their investigation.

Only Fritz remains incarcerated in the Flathead County Juvenile Detention Center, where he is being held on a $500 city bond. If Fritz pays his bond, he must appear before a judge for conditions of release to be set.

Ryder, Winchester and Diaz have been released on their own recognizance.

So far, cases have been opened against Fritz, Ryder, and Diaz, although none of the three have been officially charged.

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