Polson women deny damaging Durango

Two Polson women are accused of intentionally causing extensive damage to a vehicle parked at a rodeo event at the Polson Fairgrounds. Alexandrianna Pierre, 22, and Sakoya Rae Gaustad, 23, each entered pleas of not guilty in Polson District Court Oct. 18 to felony criminal mischief by accountability.

According to court records, on Aug. 25, Polson Police responded to a report of people causing severe damage to a 2013 Dodge Durango. At the scene, Polson Police Officer Michael Wharton spoke with witnesses of the alleged vandalism. Most of the damage appeared to be “gouge marks” on both sides of the vehicle, mainly to the driver’s side. One witness allegedly saw the suspects “mule-kick” the Durango.

A few of the witnesses were able to identify possible suspects on social media. Witnesses said the suspects on social media appeared to be wearing the same clothing as that worn by the suspects that caused damage to the Durango.

The first witness to speak to Officer Wharton indicated that the two suspects were picked up by a third party. The witness said they overheard discussions by them regarding going to a casino.

Officer Wharton was dispatched to a casino in Polson later that evening and observed two women matching the description of the vandalism suspects. When questioned by Officer Wharton, the women denied causing damage to the Durango. They also denied knowing the person who drove the Durango to the rodeo.

The registered owner of the Durango is, according to the charging documents, the mother of the person who drove the Durango to the rodeo. The damage to the Durango was estimated to exceed $8,000. The charging documents do not provide a possible motive behind the incident.

Judge Molly Owen set the case for trial for April 1 for each woman. Both remain at liberty.