Warrant issued in downtown Whitefish game shootings

A warrant for the arrest of a Whitefish man in connection with the Jan. 7 shooting of two deer in downtown Whitefish was issued today, March 29.

Tarn Sandelin, 22, of rural Whitefish, is expected to surrender to Whitefish Police later today. Through information recovered at the crime scene, Crime Stoppers tips and a witness, Whitefish detectives were able to identify Sandelin as the shooter. When confronted with the investigative facts of the case, Sandelin cooperated fully.

In addition to killing one mule deer doe and wounding another that had to be destroyed, several errant shots went through the wall of the Tailwaggers store, destroying equipment inside. No one was injured during the shooting.

Sandelin has been charged with three misdemeanors — criminal mischief, discharging a firearm within the city limits and negligent endangerment. He also faces charges by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Bond has been set at $2,000 for the Whitefish violations. If convicted, Sandelin faces up to a year in the Flathead County jail and a $3,000 fine.