Cascade County Detention Officer Arrested for Domestic Violence

*Joshua Yellow Owl. Photo courtesy of CCSO*

On August 31st, at approximately 12:50 am, the Great Falls Police Department responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 600 block of 6th Street South.

Officers were advised that a male suspect was assaulting a female and attempting to break her arm. Responding officers located the suspect, identified as Joshua Yellow Owl, a current Cascade County Detention Officer, standing outside of a truck in the area.

A witness observed from a nearby residence and told officers she saw Yellow Owl physically strike the female victim while she was screaming for help and honking the vehicle’s horn. The victim was later located and reported that Yellow Owl struck her in the face, and shoved her against the passenger window of the vehicle, causing a bloody nose. he attempted to prevent her from calling 911 by throwing her phone, and applied force to her arm in a way that caused severe pain. Officers noted visible injuries and blood on the victim’s clothing.

Yellow Owl was arrested and charged with:
– Partner/Family Member Assault, Causing Bodily Injury (First Offense) – 45-5-206(1)(a) MCA
– Tampering with a Communication Device – 45-5-210(1)(a) MCA

Mr. Yellow Owl has been placed on administrative leave and held at Choteau County jail. An internal investigation will be held at the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office.

“These allegations are shocking and completely unacceptable,” stated Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter. “Domestic violence is a crime that will never be tolerated in Cascade County, regardless of who commits it. I have always made it clear to our employees of The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office that they are held to the highest standards, whether they are on duty or off duty. We have a zero tolerance for domestic violence. No employee is above the law. Every report will be taken seriously, investigated, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”