Sunday, June 07, 2026
51.0°F

Kalispell man accused of generator theft, felony DUI

JEFF SMITH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 week, 3 days AGO
by JEFF SMITH
Jeff Smith is news director for Anderson Broadcasting and a contributor to the Lake County Leader. | May 28, 2026 12:00 AM

A Kalispell man is accused stealing a generator and driving away while impaired. Robert Lincoln Silsbee, 54, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson May 20 to felony DUI and misdemeanor theft.

According to court records, on March 19, Polson Police responded to a report of theft at Walmart. Video surveillance cameras at the store captured images of a person identified as Silsbee walking out of the store with a generator without paying for it. Silsbee drove away in a Ford F250 with a camper attached.

Law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on the suspect’s vehicle on U.S. Highway 93 near mile marker 62 just north of Polson. Silsbee was the driver and smelled of alcohol when he was detained.

He refused a breath test so a blood draw was ordered with results pending. Records show Silsbee with three prior convictions for DUI. The generator is valued at $524.

Judge Molly Owen set the case for trial on Oct. 19. Silsbee was given an own-recognizance release once he secures compliance monitoring.

ARTICLES BY JEFF SMITH

June 4, 2026 midnight

Following Supreme Court appeal, judge cuts Matt's sentence in half

A Ronan man, who appealed his sentence for assaulting a peace officer in April 2023 to the Montana Supreme Court, was re-sentenced in District Court in Polson May 28.

June 4, 2026 midnight

Drennan-Beck sentenced to 20 years for evidence tampering

One of two Lake County men, convicted for crimes relating to the death of Ed Loder, 67, was sentenced to the Montana State Prison for a total of 20 years with none of that time suspended. Jonathan Micheal Drennan-Beck, 31, was sentenced in Polson District Court May 28 by Judge John Mercer.

Suspect in Christmas Day slaying in Polson enters guilty plea
May 29, 2026 midnight

Suspect in Christmas Day slaying in Polson enters guilty plea

A 19-year-old Polson man, accused of shooting and killing 31-year-old Sheldon Fisher on Christmas Day in 2024, pleaded guilty in Polson District Court May 20 to the amended charge of mitigated deliberate homicide.