Suspect arrested in Bigfork robbery

A suspected was arrested Tuesday in connection with an armed robbery in Bigfork.

According to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Samantha Lee Starks was taken into custody and interviewed regarding her possible involvement with the recent robbery at the Jackpot Casino in Bigfork. Starks allegedly admitted that she was involved in the crime, and was charged with robbery. She is currently being held at the Flathead County Detention Center in Kalispell.

On Nov. 12 the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a robbery at 9:26 a.m. The manager of Jackpot Casino stated a woman pulled a gun on her and requested her apron, which contained keys to the store and gambling machines. The suspect was wearing a face mask, a black puffy jacket and a black beanie with a squiggly design around the band, according to dispatch logs. She was described as between 5’2” and 5’6” in height with a heavy-set build. She was believed to have exited the building on foot, and possibly left the area in a vehicle.

Law enforcement, aided by Two Bear Air, searched the area that day, but to no avail. Bigfork schools were placed on lockdown during the search effort.