Man sentenced for criminal endangerment

A 22-year-old Lake County man accused of attempting to rape a teenage girl at a Ronan park was sentenced last week to three years in the Department of Corrections.

Lake County District Court Judge James A. Manley committed Kyler Martin Runkel to the DOC for a period of three years with two suspended for an amended offense of felony criminal endangerment. He was credited for 90 days of jail time already served.

Runkel was suspected of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl after providing her alcohol at Ronan City Park on Jan. 20, 2016. According to court documents, Runkel gave the 13-year-old several shots of vodka and began making unwanted advances toward her. Documents state Runkel reportedly held the girl against the park’s playground equipment and attempted to rape her, but was unsuccessful due to the ensuing struggle.

Runkel was not present at his original sentencing hearing scheduled for Jan. 18. A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was apprehended on Feb. 6. His charge carried a maximum penalty of 10 years in Montana State Prison.