Two suspects in custody after vehicle theft in Whitefish area

At approximately 8:15 a.m. Monday morning, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a burglary in the Whitefish area.  

Upon arrival, deputies learned that multiple vehicles had been stolen in the course of the burglary. In a turn of events, a vehicle previously reported stolen was found abandoned at the scene by the suspects. 

Flathead County Dispatch immediately broadcasted the details of the recently stolen vehicles to surrounding partner agencies. Thanks to this rapid communication, the stolen vehicles were quickly spotted by Whitefish Police Officers in the East Edgewood area. Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspects fled in the stolen vehicles. 

A coordinated multi-agency response was launched, including Flathead County Sheriff’s Deputies, 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 the Haskill Basin area. 

A ground search was initiated with assistance from K9 teams, drones and Two Bear Air. After an extensive search, Two Bear Air successfully located the heat signature of two individuals hiding near a tree. Deputies and a K9 unit responded to the location and safely took both suspects into custody without injury. 

The individuals, identified as James Ekvall and Ashley Bruns, were transported to the Flathead County Detention Center, where they are being held pending formal charges. Both suspects are believed to be involved in multiple burglaries and vehicle thefts throughout the valley. 

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank partner agencies and local property owners for their vital assistance during the operation.