A Whitefish man is accused of restraining a woman with duct tape and beating her with a belt before she was able to escape to a neighboring house.

Dylan Thomas Baker, 47, is charged with felony kidnapping, strangulation of a partner or family member and assault with a weapon. His bail was set at $100,000 and he was later released from the county jail. His arraignment was set for Dec. 20 at 9:30 a.m.

According to charging documents, a resident on Monegan Road in Whitefish called police on Dec. 13 after finding a woman tied up and in the snow. Responding officers reported the woman had bruising on her face and duct tape on her head and wrists. She was not wearing pants or shoes, and was bleeding from her legs and feet.

According to documents, the woman told officers she was moving out of Baker’s home when he “went nuts.” He allegedly hit the woman and choked her to the point she lost consciousness, then took her into the basement and restrained her with duct tape.

He then allegedly hit her with a studded belt and threatened to kill her.

Baker reportedly left the home to “get more supplies” for the attack. While he was gone, the victim was able to wriggle out of her shoes and pants and escape the basement.

While paramedics were assisting the victim, an officer noticed a side-by-side driving on Monegan Road believed to be Baker’s. Officers tracked the vehicle to Baker’s house.

During a search of Baker's home, officers reportedly found tape matching the tape found on the victim, as well as the victim’s pants and boots, and part of a studded belt.

Baker is facing up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $50,000.

Get help

If you are facing domestic abuse or know someone who is, call the Abbie Shelter's 24-hour helpline at 406-752-7273, or reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.