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Home invasion linked to heroin

by Whitefish Pilot
| July 12, 2011 5:14 PM

Three men have been arrested and one

remains at-large after an armed home invasion July 6 in Happy

Valley that appears to be connected to heroin trafficking.

Two armed adult men allegedly entered a

residence at 3:30 p.m. on Hare Trail south of Whitefish. A

16-year-old girl was reportedly held at gunpoint while the men

stole a safe containing eight firearms and ammunition, according to

the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

On July 7, three men were arrested in

connection with the incident.

Bradley Thompson, 25 of Kalispell, is

charged with robbery, theft, obstructing a peace officer and

resisting arrest.

Kevin Gaethle, 29, of Kalispell, is

charged with robbery, parole violation and criminal contempt.

Kelly Campbell, 25, of Columbia Falls

is charged with accountability to robbery, possession of stolen

property and parole violation.

Stephen Acton, 27, of Whitefish remains

at-large. Felony arrest warrants for Acton are pending. He is

described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, 220 pounds, with brown hair and

blue eyes.

He is considered armed and dangerous,

according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The Northwest Drug Task Force July 7

served several search warrants on residences and vehicles in both

Columbia Falls and Whitefish. Most of the stolen guns and property

were recovered. Narcotics were also seized, and an alleged money

counterfeiting operation was discovered.

Narcotics and drug charges are still

pending in the case. Counterfeiting charges are pending as well.

The Kalispell Police also assisted in the investigation.

Anyone with information concerning

Acton’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Sheriff’s office.

The investigation in this case is

ongoing and more arrests are anticipated.