Runkel pleads guilty to lesser charge on assault case

Kyler M. Runkel, 21, of Ronan pleaded guilty to felony criminal endangerment, a reduced felony offense to his original charge of sexual assault of 13-year-old girl.

Runkel will be sentenced on May 25.

Runkel was originally charged in connection with an 8 p.m. assault on Jan. 20 near the playground at Ronan City Park, according to a Lake County court affidavit.

Lake County prosecuting attorneys believe that Runkel gave the teen alcohol, then began making unwanted advances toward her.

The child disapproved of Runkel’s advances by protesting.

Runkel was arrested Jan. 25 on three counts related to the assault, two dealing with the method of assault and a third charge relating to the alcohol. He was held in custody at the Lake County Detention Center until April 13.