In a major crime ring investigation, Flathead County Deputies, along with the Northwest Regional SWAT team, brought in 46-year-old Michael Ray Downing, thought to be the ringleader. He’s in the Flathead County Detention Center on $250,000 bail, officially charged with Burglary, Tampering with a wittiness or informant and a raft of failure to appear warrants. It was a high-risk search warrant in Hungry Horse that brought out the SWAT team.
Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino tells us they’ve been working this case since last October. He says over 15 burglary cases across the County have been linked to Downing and his crew…with total losses and damages nearing $1-million. We’re told vacant residences and seasonal homes were the perp’s targets.
Also in custody are 35-year-old Ashley Nicole Bruns, being held on $100,000 bail until her next court date, August 4th…and 34-year-old James Irving Ekvall. He’s also being held on $100,000 bail. Both are charged with theft and burglary.
We’ll get more from Sheriff Brian Heino at 7:20 Friday morning, when he joins us on Glacier Banks Community Conversations.
