Man pleads no contest to attempted burglary, drug possession

A Kalispell man who police say tried to break into homes and escape custody in a drug-fueled rage has accepted a plea bargain.

Aron Porras, 22, pleaded no contest on Wednesday to felony counts of attempted aggravated burglary and criminal possession of dangerous drugs. As part of the deal, prosecutors dropped a misdemeanor escape charge.

He stands convicted after a December incident in which he tried to break into two homes while wielding a large folding knife. A witness told police that Porras tried to force his way into one apartment while “slashing at the air,” according to court documents. The witness said Porras then turned to his home, squeezing an arm into the doorway. Porras left after the resident pointed a gun at him.

According to court documents, Porras’ girlfriend told police that he was hallucinating on drugs during the incident and that hospital personnel had told him to stop using methamphetamine earlier that day.

Porras was handcuffed and put in the back of a patrol car, but police say he freed one of his hands and tried to escape. When an officer tried to put the handcuffs back on, Porras broke free and began to run away.

Police apprehended Porras after he slipped on a patch of ice, according to court documents.

Once Porras was at the Flathead County Detention Center, an officer found a bag in Porras’ pocket that contained a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. Other drugs were also found in Porras’ car.

In the plea agreement, prosecutors suggest a sentence of 15 years with the Department of Corrections with 10 suspended. The defense called for 10 years with five suspended. Either way, the result would be a five-year sentence.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21.