Prosecutors charge Lakeside shooting suspect with attempted murder

The victim in last week’s shooting in Lakeside told authorities that Luke Elliot Rutledge began yelling at him shortly before opening fire from about 6 feet away, according to documents newly filed in Flathead County District Court.

Deputy County Attorney Stacy Boman formally filed felony attempted deliberate homicide and criminal endangerment charges against Rutledge on Monday. Held in the county jail since his Nov. 24 arrest with bail set at $200,000, the 26-year-old from Kalispell is expected to appear before Judge Dan Wilson on Dec. 7 for his arraignment. 

The victim recalled sitting in his pickup truck, which was parked in a lot near a combination gas station, convenience store, casino and bar on U.S. 93, and sending text messages when Rutledge approached the driver’s side door, according to court documents. The yelling and gunfire broke out soon after, sending the victim fleeing into a nearby saloon.