Two burglars make their way through Lake County court system

By MICHELLE LOVATO

Lake County Leader

Lake County law enforcement agencies work through burglaries year round. But around spring, when snowbirds return to their homes in the county,  a cluster of burglary and thefts are reported – many of which occurred while they were away. 

Polson thief identified by witnesses who helped him commit the crime

Law enforcement officers found a Polson couple’s stolen television at Dempsy’s Buy Sell and Trade in Polson after the couple’s daughter called police to report it was stolen.

The incident that occurred near the end of March netted Eldon Gene Runsthrough $110, a sum that also cost Runsthrough his identity through a paperwork trail, according to a Lake County Court affidavit.

But even without the pawn shop paperwork, Polson police officers were likely to find Runsthrough, since a neighbor watched him leave the residence, television in hand, the affidavit said.

Another third party person gave Runsthrough a lift to Dempsy’s with the television in his hands.

Runsthrough pleaded guilty to felony burglary at his arraignment hearing with Lake County District Court Judge James A. Manley on May 11. Runsthrough is scheduled to be sentenced July 13.

Runsthrough was released from custody on his own recognizance after his May 11 hearing.

St. Ignatius thief cannot unload stolen vehicle

Lake County law enforcement officials believe Michael Anthony Assiniboine is responsible for the theft of a St. Ignatius family’s sports utility vehicle along with several personal items missing from a St. Ignatius residence.

The original incident occurred July 23, 2015, but was solved after a Lake County Sheriff’s deputy investigating the incident talked to a Dixon couple in possession of the stolen car, according to a Lake County Court affidavit.

When questioned about the stolen vehicle on their property, the couple told the investigating deputy that Assiniboine left the blazer on their Dixon property, claiming it had engine problems, the affidavit said.

Assiniboine tried to sell the ailing vehicle to the Dixon couple, but was unsuccessful, the couple said. Instead, the Assiniboine came several times since the car was left and removed parts from the vehicle, the affidavit said.

The deputy confirmed that the stolen car belonged to the St. Ignatius burglary victim.

On Dec. 29, 2015, law enforcement officers were called to a second St. Ignatius home where another burglary took place, the affidavit said. 

That victim said someone entered his home and garage moving several items to one location and piled them in anticipation of removing them, the affidavit said.

The person also rummaged through several sheds and vehicles on the victim’s property.

But the second St. Ignatius homeowner had an alarm system that sounded, causing the person that investigators believe is Assiniboine to leave, the affidavit said.

“The person took a 2005 Kawasaki four wheeler belonging to (the victim) worth between $3,000 and $4,000. Officers followed the tracks,” the affidavit said. 

A Tribal ranger found two sets of tracks and located the four wheeler off the road deep in the woods.

Assiniboine was fingered as the thief after the victim witnessed him running from his home, the affidavit said. 

Assiniboine pleaded not guilty to the charges. His omnibus hearing is scheduled for Aug. 10 and his jury trial set for Sept. 19.