Man pleads not guilty to felony robbery charges

The passenger of a vehicle involved in an alleged armed robbery where he brandished a gun pleaded not guilty to two felony charges in Flathead District Court on Aug. 17.

Joshua Buck, 31, is charged with felony robbery and felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs. A jury trial is set for Jan. 16.

David Warrant, 57, also involved in the alleged robbery, had previously pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of accountability to robbery, felony criminal endangerment and criminal possession drugs. Warrant’s jury trial is set for Oct. 10.

According to court documents, Kalispell Police Department received a report of an assault with a gun in the Home Depot parking lot on July 7. Prior to the call being dispatched, an officer who was in the area saw a small vehicle with no license plate being driven in the center median, passing other vehicles and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle failed to stop.

The officer pursued the vehicle through residential neighborhoods and saw the vehicle drive through stop signs and was speeding in excess of 60 mph, court documents state. When the driver — later identified as Warrant — reached a cul-de-sac, he reportedly began driving on a bike path at high speed. He then entered the U.S. 93 bypass and was traveling in the wrong direction onto an on-ramp, causing another vehicle to quickly pull over. By this time, the vehicle reportedly reached a speed in excess of 100 mph.

During the pursuit officers learned that the vehicle contained the suspect involved in the earlier alleged armed robbery at Home Depot. Stop strips were placed in the road and eventually the vehicle was stopped.

Buck and Warrant were taken into custody and are currently held at Flathead County Detention Center.

Officers later spoke with the robbery victim who reportedly said he saw two men leave the store with carts containing merchandise that hadn’t been paid for. When the victim attempted to stop the driver from leaving, Buck allegedly pulled out a handgun and stated “I will kill you.” The victim then backed away, fearing for his safety, when the pair fled the area.

Officers found several tools in original packaging, and a .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun with a loaded magazine during a search of the vehicle. Officers also found what was believed to be methamphetamine and heroin, which has been sent to the Montana State Crime Lab for testing.

If convicted of robbery, Buck could face between two or more than 40 years in Montana State Prison. Since Buck reportedly brandished a gun, he may be sentenced to an additional prison term of not less than two or more than 10 years. A criminal possession of dangerous drugs conviction could result in a maximum prison term of five years.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.