Sheriff's Office in search of vehicle connected to sexual assault

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for information regarding suspicious vehicles reported in the county.

In a series of press releases over the weekend, Lake County Sheriff Don Bell explained in one of four that LCSO took a report of an alleged sexual assault that took place at 10 p.m. on Aug. 25.

It was reported that a teenage male was walking south of Polson on U.S. Highway 93 when he was approached by two males who forced him into a vehicle and proceeded to assault him.

The victim described the vehicle as a black or dark-colored Subaru with California license plates.

Both suspects were described as wearing blue shirts and blue jeans, and one male was larger than the other.

Bell also said in a separate press release that there was a possible sighting of the vehicle in the Arlee area Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 9:35 a.m., with two males in the vehicle and looking over the area as they drove around.

A Lake County Deputy checked the vicinity and the schools, but was unable to locate the vehicle.

IN A THIRD release, Bell said that LCSO and Flathead Tribal Police investigated a report of possible child abuse in Ronan.

As a result of an investigation, Keith Michel, Jr., 28, was arrested on an outstanding warrant. He was later charged with assault on a minor and taken to the Lake County Jail on a $20,000 bond that was increased to a $200,000 bond as of Monday morning, Bell confirmed.

Bell explained that once the child was located, it was “determined he was in need of immediate medical attention.”

The child, a four-year-old boy, was taken by ambulance to a local hospital and later flown to another hospital out of state, Bell confirmed.

The boy is in stable condition.

A 24-YEAR-OLD woman was also arrested for an outstanding warrant through Tribal court, and other children in the home were placed in the care of Tribal Social Services.

Bell said an investigation is ongoing and more charges may be filed as a result.

In a fourth press release, Bell said that LCSO conducted a narcotics-related search warrant in Pablo on Aug. 24, resulting in multiple citations and arrests.

Marcos Escobado, 26, of Charlo, was charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute.

Isaiah Lamere, 22, of Medford, Ore., was charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and misdemeanor drug paraphernalia.

Dewayna Grey Cloud, 28, from Elmo, was charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and misdemeanor drug paraphernalia.

Jerry Austin, 76, of Pablo, was charged with misdemeanor criminal possession of dangerous drugs.

Should anyone observe suspicious activity, they are encouraged to call law enforcement at (406) 883-7301, extension 1, and report the information as soon as possible.