Friday, May 23, 2025
55.0°F

Kila man accused of using bear spray in attack

DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years AGO
by DERRICK PERKINS
Daily Inter Lake | May 17, 2022 12:00 AM

Prosecutors have brought a Kila man up on a felony assault with a weapon charge for allegedly discharging bear spray at another man in 2021.

Randaell Charles Stilson, 18, was booked in the Flathead County Detention Center on May 10 and released on his own recognizance the same day. His arraignment in district court is set for June 2.

Although an arrest warrant was issued March 30 of this year, authorities believe the attack occurred late in the evening of Aug. 4, 2021. They began investigating Stilson after another man reported the incident about 1:47 a.m. the next day.

According to court documents, the victim was at the fishing access for Smith Lake when Stilson approached him and began yelling. Getting into his truck, the victim was about to leave when Stilson allegedly ran up and sprayed him in the face and neck with bear spray.

Stilson then fled, court documents said.

The victim drove to a friend’s house and contacted the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office. That friend, a mutual acquaintance of both men, told investigators that Stilson called him soon after. He alleged that Stilson admitted using bear spray and accused the victim of insulting him.

The victim also sent deputies images of his face and vehicle, court documents said.

Stilson’s arraignment in district court is scheduled for June 2.

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com.

MORE LOCAL-NEWS STORIES

Suspect in bear spray attack facing drug case
Daily Inter-Lake | Updated 1 year, 5 months ago
Kila man accused of bear spray attack sentenced
Daily Inter-Lake | Updated 2 years, 10 months ago
Kila man earns deferred sentences for drug possession charges
Daily Inter-Lake | Updated 1 year, 2 months ago

ARTICLES BY DERRICK PERKINS

Hotel guest accused of ransacking room ordered to pay restitution
May 22, 2025 midnight

Hotel guest accused of ransacking room ordered to pay restitution

Donald Robert Hamilton, 61, was initially brought up on felony counts of criminal mischief and criminal possession of dangerous drugs following his March 15, 2024 run-in with Columbia Falls Police officers.

May 20, 2025 midnight

Kalispell man hit with felony charge for allegedly attacking a bar patron over a woman

Prosecutors brought Dakota Douglas Laverdure of Kalispell up on one count of aggravated assault in Flathead County District Court in connection with the alleged April 22 beating. Laverdure is expected to appear before Judge Amy Eddy for arraignment on May 22.