Suspect receives suspended sentences after Aspen Court standoff

A 61-year-old man involved in a standoff in Aspen Court has received suspended sentences for his actions. In January, the Flathead County District Court handed down two five-year sentences for aggravated burglary and criminal possession of dangerous drugs to Benjamin Kulina. Both sentences are suspended, meaning he will not serve time in prison unless he breaks the law again. Kulina was credited with seven days served. Kulina pleaded guilty to the charges as part of a plea deal in November. The incident began on October 12, 2023, when deputies investigated a vehicle left abandoned on Capistrano Road. The vehicle's owner, later identified as Kulina, claimed there was a hostage situation but did not provide details. Authorities later found evidence of a break-in at a home on Aspen Court, which should have been empty. After Kulina made a second call and threatened to shoot at police and nearby homes, the SWAT team was called in. Kulina eventually surrendered and was reportedly armed at the time of his arrest.