Montana Highway Patrol Troopers Involved in Critical Incident in Big Timber

On Thursday, April 3rd, two Montana Highway Patrol troopers were engaged in a critical incident in the vicinity of Big Timber. This occurrence followed a notification that a suspect from Nebraska, who possessed a no-bond warrant for arrest due to threats of utilizing explosives, had entered the state of Montana. At approximately 2:48 PM, one of the troopers informed dispatch that he had located the suspect's vehicle near Big Timber, prompting the request for backup from a second trooper in the area. Shortly thereafter, the initiating trooper began a traffic stop, only to report that the suspect was fleeing. The trooper attempted a precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver to halt the suspect's vehicle, but this effort proved unsuccessful. Following the unsuccessful maneuver, the troopers reported that the suspect discharged his firearm, to which the troopers responded with return fire. The troopers soon confirmed that the suspect was down, with the entire incident lasting approximately three minutes. The individual, deemed suicidal, armed, and dangerous, was declared deceased at the scene. The two troopers involved sustained no injuries and have been placed on administrative leave in accordance with standard policy of the Montana Highway Patrol. The Sweet Grass County Sheriff's Office arrived promptly to provide assistance following the incident. The Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) will lead the subsequent investigation. “Without our troopers' quick thinking and bravery this incident could have been much worse. I’m confident that DCI will conduct a thorough investigation and I’m grateful for their assistance. Our partners at the Sweet Grass County Sheriff’s Office have also been incredibly helpful on scene,” MHP Colonel Kurt Sager said.