Published March 7th, 2023
A Great Falls, Montana police officer was shot Tuesday afternoon. At about 4:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, a Great Falls PD officer attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation. The operator of the vehicle did not stop and attempted to elude police. The officer who attempted to stop the vehicle decided not to pursue but broadcast a description of the fleeing vehicle. A brief time later, another Great Falls officer spotted a vehicle matching the description of the fleeing vehicle, and the operator of the vehicle getting out of it and fleeing on foot. Officers began pursuing the individual on foot, at which point the suspect turned and opened fire on officers, striking one multiple times, once in the arm, and several times in the chest. The shots to the chest were stopped by the ballistic-resistant vest the officer was wearing. The suspect was located a few blocks away and more shots were exchanged with police, at which time the suspect was struck by gunfire and suffered “serious injuries” according to police.
The injured officer and suspect were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The injured officer had surgery to treat his injuries and was released the next day. A press release from Great Falls Police stated “Though [the officer’s] prognosis is positive, he will need further medical care, likely more surgery and rehabilitation.” The suspect remains in the hospital, and charges are pending.
