Law roundup: Residents try to pull police into HOA drama

Someone called the Kalispell Police Department saying they were part of a homeowner’s association (HOA) and complained that RV was causing issues with school buses and snowplows because of where it was parked. They conceded that “technically” the RV was “probably” parked within the “appropriate time frame” because the owner moved it around. The caller also claimed the RV had expired license plates, which it did not. 

Officers received a later call from someone complaining about the large RV, saying when anyone parked their vehicles at their own homes, school buses couldn’t get through. They said the HOA had already fined the man multiple times; it had been an issue for two years; and the HOA advised residents to call the police about it.

Someone was suspicious man was watching the neighborhood when he allegedly sat in a parked Chevy pickup all day over several weeks accompanied by a small “ankle biter” dog. Officers found the vehicle unoccupied.

A man called officers complaining that he needed to shovel but reportedly wasn’t allowed to because a neighbor had a temporary restraining order against him. He said he would contact an officer every time he needed to shovel until “it’s sorted out.” He also thought it was wise to add that “one of the dumber officers arrested him yesterday.” Officers were cautioned that he was anti-law enforcement and had a past involving assault and drugs.

Vehicles reportedly drove into a berm in a woman’s yard twice and she called police wanting to know why and was concerned it was becoming a habit. She also told officers she suspected a neighbor of the berm drive-bys.

A green Honda sedan reportedly hit someone’s vehicle and kept driving to a motel before leaving again.

Someone allegedly drilled a hole in a truck’s gas tank, leaving fuel on the ground and the tank half-full.

A man wearing a long coat allegedly stole a phone and left, dragging a big garbage bag.

Someone who had items stolen and vehicles vandalized reportedly asked police to do extra patrol around the location because they would be out of town.

Someone complained that a man was shoveling snow berms into the roadway alleging he was upset about having a couple of vehicles and a boat stickered with notices to move within 72 hours. They said he wasn’t done shoveling yet but were concerned it was causing issues. Officers said they would check it out after giving him a chance to finish.

A concerned grandmother brought her grandson with her to the police station wanting to speak to an officer about how he reportedly “keeps getting out of control.” 

An elderly woman called officers crying because she was reportedly stuck in someone’s driveway after trying to turn around and a tow truck couldn’t be sent to her location.

Kids allegedly threw a snowball at a woman’s car who called the police, saying she wasn’t sure of the damage, but that the snowball was “really big.” She said the youths refused to tell her husband where their parents were and wanted officers’ help getting the information. The couple eventually found their parents and did not need further assistance.