Arson, shooting suspect flees deputies

Sanders County law enforcement officials were seeking a known, but unidentified, man on Thursday who allegedly tried to burn down a hotel and fired a gun in the presence of deputies Wednesday evening.

According to information from the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office, dispatch received a report about a man who had tried to start a fire at the Lakeside Motel in Trout Creek. Police also said he pointed a gun at another person at the scene.

According to the sheriff’s department, deputies responded to the hotel and while speaking with witnesses, the man returned and fired more shots into another nearby building, before fleeing in a vehicle. The deputies pursued the suspect but lost sight of him.

Other law enforcement officers from surrounding agencies responded and assisted in attempts to locate the man. However, after several hours, officers were unable to locate the man.

The sheriff’s office said no one was injured. The identity of the suspect was not released and attempts to contact Sanders County Sheriff Tom Rummel were not successful.

The department said facts and evidence gathered at the scene indicated the man was acting alone and did not enter any of the buildings. Arrest warrants were being sought Thursday morning.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 406-758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.