Polson house busted for third time this year
Police carry a pack such as the one pictured above during a drug raid.
Six kittens were found as the result of a raid at a Polson residence over the weekend. (Photo provided courtesy of the Polson Police Department)
For the third time in 2018, officials carried out search warrants at a residence in Polson, seizing drug paraphernalia and kittens. (Photo provided courtesy of Polson Police Department)
For the third time this year, the Polson Police Department carried out a residential search warrant on a house in city limits.
According to a press release from Sgt. George Simpson, PPD raided a house at 1008 Second Street East on Sept. 21, following a two-month investigation.
During the search, law enforcement seized prescription pills and drug paraphernalia.
No children were found inside the home, although six kittens were rescued from the home “due to the atrocious environment inside the residence,” Simpson stated via press release.
Nine people were charged with the following:
- Aaliyah Solder Chief Woods, six counts of animal cruelty, possession of dangerous drug paraphernalia, possession of toxic substances, two counts of criminal mischief and two counts of theft of services
- Fawn Cain, possession of toxic substances
- Christina Huntsman, possession of toxic substances
- Ashley McLeod, possession of dangerous drug paraphernalia
- Autumn Cain, possession of toxic substances and possession of dangerous drug paraphernalia
- Jaydon Burke, various outstanding arrest warrants
- Tru Schultz, possession of toxic substances and possession of dangerous drug paraphernalia
- Jesse Baker, possession of dangerous drug paraphernalia
- Thayne Carman, possession of drug paraphernalia
SIMPSON ALSO expressed that occupants of the residence are believed to be responsible for graffiti found on neighboring properties.
That same residence was part of discussion during the Sept. 17 Polson Commissioner Meeting.
Following an open comment period during the meeting, it was noted that the house has been of concern.
Ward 1 Comissioner Janet Howlett acknowledged problems allegedly stemming from the house, and added that authorities were looking into various issues and allegations.
City Manager Mark Shrives commented, saying that investigating the allegations is “everyone’s” job, but “you can’t snap your fingers” to fix problems.
Polson Police Chief Wade Nash weighed in, explaining that officers have spend “hundreds” of hours with substance abusers.
ONCE SUSPECTS are arrested and charged, they are usually booked into the Lake County Jail and written into the city court or district court systems, Nash explained.
The challenge, he said, is prosecution, which the Lake County attorney’s office controls.
Lake County Attorney Steve Eschenbacher explained Monday to The Leader that limited space at the Lake County Jail plays a part into prosecution.
“We have to prioritize,” he said, adding that first, the first priority of the county attorney’s office is to protect people, followed by property, then to deal with drug offenders.
“At the moment, they aren’t hurting themselves,” but when substance users begin to inflict harm on others, that’s when they are held in custody.
On Saturday, Sept. 22, PPD conducted another search warrant at the 1000 block of Cherry Hill Court.
Drug paraphernalia, marijuana and THC oil were seized, and who teenage juveniles were interviewed and released without charges, Simpson confirmed.
One person, Levi Couture, was arrested on charges of criminal possession of marijuana and dangerous drug paraphernalia.
POLSON MAYOR Paul Briney observed some of the warrant service process, and expressed his gratitude toward law enforcement.
“I am extremely proud of the work our Polson Police Officers do everyday for the families and especially the children in our community,” Briney said via press release.“We have an outstanding team of officers working hard for our community 24/7.”
Montana Adult Probation and Parole, Flathead Reservation Tribal Police, Lake County Emergency Communication Center, Polson Water Department and Polson Sewer Department, Polson building inspection, Polson Parks department and the Polson Code Compliance department all assisted in both raids.