On Monday, April 27th, at approximately 2:45 AM, 911 dispatchers received a report of someone threatening a group of people inside a residence with a gun. Officers were dispatched to an apartment building in the unit block of 44th St S. The complainant stated that they were inside an apartment with friends when a dispute occurred, and a male pointed a gun at them.
Officers identified the suspect as 22-year-old Ethan Hathaway. They issued commands for Hathaway to exit the apartment; however, after several rounds of commands went unanswered, the Central Montana High Risk Unit was deployed. Members of the HRU, consisting of officers from the Great Falls MT Police Department and deputies from the Cascade County Sheriff/Coroner’s Office, managed to convince Hathaway to exit the residence. Unfortunately, he did not comply with their orders for a peaceful arrest. Ultimately, the suspect was taken into custody.
Hathaway was remanded to the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office Adult Detention Center and charged with two counts of Assault with a Weapon (Felony), two counts of Obstructing a Peace Officer or Other Public Servant (Misdemeanor), and one count of Social Host (Misdemeanor).
During this incident, officers contacted a group of individuals who had been inside the apartment before Hathaway’s standoff with the police. An intoxicated 17-year-old male was cited for Possessing Intoxicating Substances While Under the Age of 21 (Misdemeanor). He was released with a stern warning not to return to the scene. Shortly after leaving, the male returned to the incident and was arrested. He was transported to Benefis Health System for a medical evaluation and then remanded to the Cascade County Juvenile Detention Center. The juvenile was further charged with Threats/Improper Influence in Official or Political Matters (Misdemeanor) and Obstructing a Peace Officer or Other Public Servant (Misdemeanor).
An 18-year-old female was cited for Possessing Intoxicating Substances While Under the Age of 21 (Misdemeanor) and released from the scene.
During this incident, schools in the immediate area were placed on “Shelter in Place” status, and several homes, including other apartments in the affected building, were evacuated.
By Karen Anderson: April 27, 2026 – Great Falls, Mt
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.
