Man charged after shooting incident
Members of the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office take a suspect into custody after a shooting in the West Valley area early Thursday morning. Investigators are trying to determine what happened, but several people were involved. There were no injuries reported. (Scott Shindledecker/Daily Inter Lake)
A man has been charged with several felonies after he was allegedly involved in an early-morning burglary and shooting in Flathead County.
Jaymes Leduc, 28, was charged with eluding a peace officer, criminal endangerment, possession of dangerous drugs and for other outstanding warrants.
According to Flathead County Undersheriff Brian Heino, the incident occurred about 8 a.m. in a neighborhood south of Whitefish. It was reported that someone at the location had fired a gun before fleeing the scene.
When sheriff’s deputies and an officer from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks arrived at the scene, they saw a vehicle fleeing and pursued it. The suspect led officers onto a service road off KM Ranch Road when it finally stopped and one occupant attempted to flee.
Several suspects were arrested on KM Ranch Road and Spring Prairie Road.
According to Heino, the people in custody are currently being detained and interviewed by Sheriff’s Office detectives.
“We’re still trying to piece together exactly what happened, and when we do, we’ll be able to explain more,” Heino said.
According to Brandy Hinzman of the Sheriff’s Office, there were no injuries involving the people involved in the shooting or law officers. She said there were three vehicles involved.
In addition to law enforcement officers from the county and Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Kalispell Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol also assisted in helping find the suspects that were arrested.
Leduc faced charges three years ago when he was accused of choking his girlfriend, causing her to pass out.
The Daily Inter Lake will update this story online as more information becomes available.
Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 406-758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.