Kalispell police arrest man for alleged kidnapping attempt

Kalispell police arrested 38-year-old Aaron Douglas Kupka on Wednesday evening for allegedly attempting to physically drag a 16-year-old boy into a vehicle at the Town Pump gas station at the intersection of Cemetery Road and US Highway 93.

According to a news release from Kalispell Police, the incident began at 10:19 p.m. on May 8 when police were called to a physical disturbance in the gas station parking lot.

“Officers arrived and determined that the reason for the altercation was that a male had attempted to physically pull a 16-year-old male into his vehicle after allegedly attempting to lure the teenager,” it said the press release.

After speaking with witnesses, officers arrested Kupka and took him to the Flathead County Detention Center. He is being held on felony kidnapping and probation violation charges.

According to Flathead County District Court records, Kupka was charged with assault with a weapon in July 2022 for a gun-related incident at Midway Tavern in Flathead County. In that incident, Kupka pointed a shotgun at another man and threatened the guests. In December 2022, Kupka pleaded guilty to a lesser felony of endangerment and received a deferred sentence of three years.

At the time of the alleged kidnapping attempt on Wednesday, Kupka was still subject to the terms of that sentence.

The case is currently under investigation and law enforcement has asked anyone who witnessed the incident to call (406) 758-7780 or email (email protected). The case reference number is #2024-11146.