Second Suspect in Drive-by Shooting Pleads Guilty, Third Man Wanted

A second man has pleaded guilty and a third person is now being sought in connection with a series of drive-by shootings that riddled multiple homes with bullets on Kalispell’s west side just after midnight on Dec. 21, 2019.

Ansen Walter Ingraham, 19, withdrew his not guilty plea and pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon and criminal endangerment, both felonies, in Flathead County District Court on July 9. Prosecutors are recommending a term of 15 years in prison, with an additional 10 years suspended. Ingraham initially faced five felony counts.

Joseph Trapper Bukowski entered a guilty plea to the same two felonies on June 4. He will be sentenced on Aug. 13.

Authorities are also now seeking a third man accused of participating in the shootings. Dray Scott Wieting, 19, was charged with five felonies on June 23 and remained at large as of July 10. Bukowski accused Wieting of firing some of the shots during the drive-by as part of his testimony last month, and law enforcement also alleges Wieting admitted his involvement to a friend late last year.

The December 2019 crime did not result in any injuries, but the spray of bullets from a dark-colored SUV entered several buildings on Seventh Avenue West, Sunnyside Drive and Ashley Creek Lane. Authorities recovered multiple bullets inside a number of the homes and retrieved additional shell casings from the street, apparently from two different caliber weapons.

Four people were later accused of participating in the shootings, Bukowski, Ingraham, a juvenile and Wieting. Both Bukowski and Ingraham are currently incarcerated at the Flathead County Detention Center.

Anyone with information on Wieting’s whereabouts is urged to call Flathead Crimestoppers at (406) 752-8477. Tips leading to Wieting’s arrest could result in a cash reward.