Man accused of felony theft found hiding in woods near Lakeside

A Libby man suspected of burglarizing his father’s Kalispell home and later fleeing from police was found hiding in the woods near Lakeside on Monday.

Kevin Ray Mitchell, 30, was reportedly hypothermic when he was apprehended by Flathead County SWAT off Cramer Creek Road, according to a press release from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office. He is facing charges of burglary and felony theft.

According to the release, local law enforcement officials received a report of a burglary that had occurred in the Kalispell Area on Jan. 15.

Reportedly under the influence of methamphetamine and unstable, Mitchell had allegedly broken into his father’s home, taking with him several weapons and survival gear. Mitchell also had allegedly stolen a pickup from a friend’s residence.

A log truck driver reported finding the vehicle at about 4:30 p.m. about 6 miles up Cramer Creek Road near Lakeside. The driver also observed Mitchell run into the woods.

Deputies responded and found that a rifle was missing from the stolen vehicle. An alert was pushed out to residents in the area warning them of the individual, and requesting they lock their doors and report anything suspicious.

The Two Bear Air helicopter responded to the scene along with Flathead County SWAT.

Mitchell was reportedly located in the woods by the helicopter. Deputies were directed to his location and were able to take Mitchell into custody without incident, the release states.

He was reportedly hypothermic and was hoisted into the Two Bear helicopter and transported by ambulance to Kalispell Regional Medical Center.