Canyon suspect in high-speed chase

One of two men arrested and charged with assaulting a Hungry Horse man in May was arrested again last week following a 40-minute high-speed chase west of Kalispell.

Joshua Rosalez, 29, of Kalispell, along with Thomas Rupert 19, of Hungry Horse, were charged with robbery and felony assault on May 4 after Flathead County sheriff's deputies responded to a report that a man in Hungry Horse had been beaten in a dispute over an alleged drug debt.

According to early accounts, Rupert, Rosalez and a third unidentified man went to the victim's home on First Avenue Southeast. Rosalez allegedly pulled a sawed-off shotgun from his clothing and demanded $1,400. The victim was injured in the ensuing fight in the man's kitchen.

Following a traffic stop shortly after the attack, Rupert's truck was impounded and a search warrant was obtained. A BB gun resembling a Taurus-Beretta 92F firearm was recovered. Rupert and Rosalez pleaded not guilty on May 19.

Rosalez was back in the news last week after officers responded to a report of a 2006 Honda Civic stolen from Mark Weed Auto Sales, in Evergreen, on Oct. 3. Several other vehicles had been reportedly stolen from the same business. The Honda Civic was spotted in Kalispell around 3 p.m. following a motor vehicle accident, but the driver sped away.

Deputies in pursuit reported driving up to 110 mph westbound on U.S. 2., and a helicopter joined the chase. Spike strips deployed about 15 miles inside Lincoln County blew out three tires, stopping the vehicle. The two occupants fled on foot and were quickly apprehended.

According to Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry, marijuana and a substance believed to be methamphetamine were found in the vehicle.

Rosalez was arrested and charged with burglary, theft and possession of dangerous drugs with intent to sell. It's believed he removed the ankle monitor he was wearing while released on bond from the Hungry Horse incident. The bracelet was found in the Stillwater River.

Also arrested was the driver, Joshua Hermann, 23, of Kalispell. He was charged with parole violation, burglary, theft, criminal endangerment and possession of dangerous drugs with intent to sell.