February 20, 2024 – Great Falls, Mt
February 20th shortly after 1:00 am, the City of Great Falls / Cascade County 911 Center received a call reporting a male had been shot at a business in the 1900 block of 10th Ave S. Great Falls Police Department, Great Falls Fire Rescue, and Great Falls Emergency Services were dispatched.
Great Falls Police officers located a male gunshot victim and learned the 24-year-old Great Falls resident was an employee of the business and working at the time of the shooting. The victim was transported to Benefis Emergency Department, by Great Falls Emergency Services, and is now listed in stable condition. A group of drive-thru customers was reportedly refused service for being unruly with staff.
The gunshot victim knew the group of customers and was attempting to address their concerns outside in the parking lot when a firearm was brandished and used to shoot the victim. The investigation led Great Falls Police officers and detectives to a residence in the 1600 block of 9th Ave S.
The Great Falls Police Department High-Risk Unit, comprised of Great Falls Police officers and Cascade County Sheriff’s Office deputies, responded to the residence and made contact with several individuals inside the home. The High-Risk Unit executed a Search Warrant on the home, utilizing standard SWAT techniques such as distraction devices and chemical irritants, as they were clearing the home.
“Peyton Arthur Vaughn, a 21-year-old Great Falls resident has been arrested and charged with one count of Felony Assault with a Weapon,” stated Lieutenant Doug Mahlum of the Great Falls Police Department in a press release. “He has been remanded to the Cascade County Detention Center. The Great Falls Police Department is not seeking any other suspects at this time and the scene is clear of law enforcement personnel. We are always very appreciative of the community’s support and patience, especially during stressful incidents such as this.”
