Deputies shoot shooting suspect in Phillips County

Phillips County Sheriff Jerry Lytle said in a press release that sheriff’s deputies shot and killed a suspect in a shooting south of Saco after a car chase in which the suspect rammed a deputy’s vehicle.

“This is a difficult time for both the suspect’s family and the deputies involved,” Lytle said. “I am committed to having a complete and independent process and ask that the community keeps all the families involved in their thoughts and prayers.”

The release said deputies were dispatched Sunday at 7:39 p.m. to a report of a shooting at a residence south of Saco.

The suspected shooter was reported to be armed and warning that people who came into the yard of the residence would be shot.

The release said that, after deputies and ambulance personnel responded to the scene, the suspect was confronted, resulting in a pursuit. During the pursuit, the suspect rammed his vehicle into a deputy’s car, disabling it.

“The deputies responded with deadly force and the suspect was killed,” the release said.

The original gunshot victim was transported to a Billings hospital with serious injuries. The suspect was declared deceased at the scene, the release added, saying no threat to the public exists as a result of the incident.

The release said Lytle has asked the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation to conduct an independent investigation, and the Valley County coroner has been asked to conduct the death investigation.

After completion of the investigation, a public coroner’s inquest will be held as required by Montana statute. The Valley County coroner will release the name of the suspect after all notifications have been made.

Phillips County deputies were assisted by Valley County Sheriff’s deputies, Blaine County deputies and the Glasgow Police Department.