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Police Arrest Four Teens After Rash of Broken Windows

By Beacon Staff

Four teenagers are in custody after an early Sunday morning vandalism spree resulted in broken vehicle windows, with at least 100 victims reporting damage so far.

According to the Kalispell Police Department, calls started coming in at about 5:30 a.m. on Sept. 15, regarding the broken windows. The vandals used a BB gun to shoot out the glass, which also damaged vehicle bodies and broke the windows at local businesses.

KPD said the costs of the damage is still being compiled, but estimated that it will likely be well in excess of $20,000.

Kalispell Police Chief Roger Nasset identified the four teenagers as Shadeau Fritz, 16, of Kalispell; Maclean Ryder, 17, of Flathead County; Matthew Winchester, 14 of Kalispell; and Francisco Manzo Diaz, 17, of Flathead County.

All of the teens have been charged with felony criminal mischief, and at least two of them were sent to Flathead County Juvenile Detention after their arrests.

Two of the suspects were apprehended just after 2 a.m. on Sept. 16, after police received a tip about some potential criminal activity. Police had also received a description of the suspected vandals’ vehicle, and also obtained security camera footage from local businesses to get a picture of the alleged vandals’ car.

Police found the suspected car at the location the caller gave when reporting suspicious activity. Two males were found in the vehicle and taken to KPD for questioning, and subsequently arrested. The investigation led to two other teen boys, who were then interviewed and arrested.

Nasset said that due to the high volume of victims in this case, the investigation will likely take a substantial amount of time to conclude. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office is also investigating similar vandalism in Flathead County.