Three arrested following armed home-invasion

An investigation of an armed home-invasion and robbery in Happy Valley has led to the arrest of three men and the discovery of a heroin trafficking and money counterfeiting operation with ties to Columbia Falls and Whitefish.

According the Flathead County Sheriff's Office, two armed adult men entered the Happy Valley residence at gunpoint on July 6 about 3:30 p.m. A 16-year-old female who was in the home at the time was held at gunpoint as the men stole a gun safe.

Leads developed the next day resulted in search warrants being served at residences and vehicles in Columbia Falls and Whitefish. Kalispell police responding to a shoplifting report on Hutton Ranch Road had located the same rental car used in the armed home-invasion. One of the suspects also may have been in the Happy Valley home sometime in the past, Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry said.

Most of the stolen guns and property stolen were recovered, but officers also seized narcotics and uncovered an alleged counterfeiting operation. Three men were arrested in connection with the case:

•Kelly Campbell, 22, of Columbia Falls, was charged with accountability to robbery, possession of stolen property and violating his parole conditions.

•Bradley Thompson, 25, of Kalispell, was charged with robbery, theft, obstructing a peace officer and resisting arrest.

•Kevin Gaethle, 29, of Kalispell, was charged with robbery, criminal contempt and violating his parole conditions.

Drug and counterfeiting charges are pending for the three men, the sheriff's office said. A search is underway to locate a fourth suspect, Stephen Acton, 27, of Whitefish. Numerous guns were seized from his residence, and Curry warned that Acton could be armed and dangerous. Other arrests are also expected.