The Blotter: Residents almost shoot mountain lion

July 20

At about 9 a.m. Jamie Brandon, 34, allegedly stole a green Subaru Legacy from an unlocked garage on 2nd Avenue East in Columbia Falls. The vehicle was unlocked and the keys were not inside. Two hours later Brandon caused an accident in Whitefish. He was charged with theft and burglary.

A man reported that a package with clothing and household items was stolen two months ago from his front porch on Riparian Drive. He tried to track it down first before reporting it stolen.

A mountain lion wandered into a backyard on 4th Avenue West. Two men with guns planned to shoot the animal, but police persuaded them to go home. As did the cat, going back into the bushes.

July 21

Report of two vacant homes with broken locks and windows on 8th Street West and 2nd Avenue. This was not due to a burglary. The houses are abandoned.

A motor vehicle accident occurred around 5 p.m. at the Loop on Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park after a vehicle lost its brakes and hit the rock wall. At least one person was injured.

July 22

Two young men found sleeping inside a playground tire at Glacier Gateway Elementary School around 2 a.m. were taken to the police station and later released to a woman who took them home. They were in violation of curfew.

Report of a child locked in a car. A person was found sitting in the middle of the field near the Montana Veterans' Home.

Someone reported that large hole near the old North Fork Stop and Shop was a safety issue. The hole was not fenced off and most likely held underground gas tanks.

July 23

Someone called in to get information about possible drug activity in the Ruder Elementary School parking lot. The police found some people smoking cigarettes.

July 24

Someone called about some Canadians urinating in a parking lot on 9th Street West then buying beer. A man was preaching and legally video recording near Smith's at the displeasure of people around him.

July 25

Report of items missing from city pool. Suspect's vehicle was searched. No one taken into custody.

July 26

Someone complained about people being noisy on Mitchell Way at about midnight.