The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a shooting incident that transpired north of Great Falls during the early morning hours of Saturday, September 6th. Preliminary reports indicate that one individual sustained serious injuries.
“This remains an active and complex investigation,” explained Sheriff Jesse Slaughter in a press release. “Detectives are currently working to gather additional witness statements and video evidence. We are aware that multiple witnesses left the scene prior to deputies’ and the Great Falls Police Department’s arrival, and it is believed that there may be additional video evidence that has not yet been provided.”
Individuals in possession of video materials related to this incident are encouraged to contact Detective Nic Allison at 406-454-7318. Witnesses are strongly urged to come forward with pertinent information to assist in a thorough and accurate investigation.
Please continue watching The Great Falls Gazette as we will provide more information when it becomes available.
September 8th UPDATE:
On September 6th, at approximately 12:18 am, deputies with the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 710 U.S. Highway 87 in response to a report regarding a female who had been shot.
Upon their arrival, deputies discovered a 17-year-old female who had sustained a gunshot wound. Immediate emergency medical care was administered prior to the victim’s transport to Benefis Emergency Department. The injuries incurred were to the neck and chest, resulting in a collapsed lung. At the time of her transport, the victim, identified as Kyrsten Ryan, remained conscious and alert, although she was experiencing considerable pain and difficulty in breathing.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the victim was attending a gathering at the aforementioned location when a physical altercation took place involving the suspect, who has been identified as Lorne Douglas-Edward Nichols. Witnesses reported that Nichols initially left the area following the confrontation but later returned, instigating further conflict and brandishing a firearm.
During a confrontation, Nichols fired two rounds from a handgun. One round went through the wall of the shop, striking Ryan in the neck. Ryan later told deputies that she moved to a position near a closed garage door to avoid being shot before hearing a “boom” and realizing that she had been struck.
At approximately 1:09 a.m., Nichols contacted Cascade County Dispatch, identified himself as the individual responsible for the shooting, and asserted that the dispute originated from accusations that someone had taken his firearm magazine. Shortly thereafter, deputies and detectives located Nichols in Jaycee Park, Great Falls. The firearm, along with a loaded magazine, was recovered, and Nichols was taken into custody without further incident.
Nichols has been booked into the Cascade County Detention Center on the charge of Criminal Endangerment (Felony), MCA 45-5-207. The investigation remains ongoing.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
