Accused roadside robber pleads guilty to criminal endangerment
One of two men accused of holding up a motorist on Browns Meadow Road by gunpoint in March has pleaded guilty to a felony charge in Flathead County District Court.
Kolten Wade Evenson, 21, entered a guilty plea to one count of criminal endangerment before Judge Robert Allison on Nov. 20. Evenson initially faced a felony robbery charge — he maintained his innocence at his April arraignment — but struck a plea deal with prosecutors in November.
In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors are expected to recommend Evenson receive a three-year deferred sentence. Allison set sentencing for Jan. 4
Authorities arrested Evenson along with Tyler David Anderson, 28, after responding to the alleged March 25 roadside holdup. The victims told Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies they were headed down the road near Kila when a red Ford F-150 began following them closely, according to court documents.
The pickup passed the victims before coming to a stop, blocking the road ahead, court documents said. Two armed men got out and approached the victims’ vehicle, asking after a stolen gun.
One of the men trained his gun at one of the victims during the confrontation, court documents alleged. Both men allegedly cocked their firearms.
After searching the victim’s vehicle, the duo seized a box of nicotine vape pens, court documents said.
Deputies identified the two men as Evenson and Anderson, and found them near an area gas station. Evenson allegedly wore a handgun in a holster on his hip and authorities found another firearm inside the pair’s red Ford F-150. Deputies also retrieved a box containing nicotine vape pens inside the pickup.
“I guess [Evenson] technically robbed them in a way,” Anderson allegedly told deputies when they questioned him.
Anderson, who was subsequently charged with accountability to robbery, pleaded not guilty at his April 20 arraignment and is continuing to fight the charge in district court. A pretrial conference in the case is scheduled for Jan. 17.
News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com.