KALISPELL, Mont. — James Ekvall and Ashley Bruns have been arrested following a multi-agency search related to several burglaries and vehicle thefts in the Flathead Valley.
The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office responded to a burglary report around 8:15 a.m. Monday in the Whitefish area. Upon arrival, deputies learned that several vehicles had been stolen, one of which was found abandoned at the scene.
Soon after, Whitefish police officers spotted the stolen vehicles in the East Edgewood area and initiated a traffic stop. However, the suspects fled in the stolen vehicles, prompting a coordinated response from multiple agencies. These included the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia Falls Police Department, Montana Highway Patrol, U.S. Forest Service officers, and aerial support from Two Bear Air.
The stolen vehicles were later discovered abandoned near Haskill Basin. An extensive search, including K9 units, drones, and Two Bear Air, was launched. Two Bear Air detected the heat signature of two individuals hiding near a tree, which led to their apprehension. Deputies and the K9 unit then took the suspects into custody without incident.
Ekvall and Bruns are currently being held at the Flathead County Detention Center pending formal charges. They are suspected of being involved in multiple burglaries and vehicle thefts across the valley.
“The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank our partner agencies and local property owners for their vital assistance during this operation,” a post on their social media stated.
