Man Steals Car During Flathead Burglary, Gets Caught in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On April 1, 2023, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office deputy was patrolling in the area of the Blue Mountain Trailhead when he observed a silver Land Rover in the parking lot. The vehicle was running and the deputy noticed a sign near where the vehicle was parked that stated the park closed at 10:00 p.m., and it was currently 11:21 p.m.  

The deputy activated his lights and found a male, later identified as Kenneth Gravelle, laying across the back seat. As he was approaching the vehicle, the deputy was advised by dispatch that the vehicle was reported stolen from Flathead County.  

The deputy ordered Gravelle to get out of the vehicle and Gravelle was taken into custody. Gravelle refused to identify himself during the entirety of the investigation and it wasn’t until he was remanded to the jail that he was eventually identified by comparing a previous booking photo. 

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The deputy made contact with the owner of the vehicle who stated it was taken during a burglary that had occurred at his property. The owner also said that a handful of other keys were taken as well, including a set of Jaguar keys. The owner valued the Land Rover at $6,500 and consented for deputies to search the vehicle.  

Deputies conducted a search of the vehicle and amongst items found were: a set of Jaguar keys, a glass pipe with a white crystalline substance, a snort kit, one used and one clean hypodermic needle, a bottle cap with a brown substance, and one needle that contained a brown substance. 

A deputy also located several used syringes that appeared to have a red-colored liquid in them. The deputy also found a black zippered case that contained a glass pipe, which is commonly used to ingest or inhale methamphetamine. 

Gravelle is currently being charged with felony theft, criminal trespass to property, obstructing a peace officer, and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. 

On April 3, 2023, Gravelle made his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court and his bond was set at $25,000. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.