SACO, Montana – Law enforcement in Phillips County, Montana, faced a tragic situation on Sunday evening when they were forced to use deadly force against a suspect following a pursuit that ended in a car crash. The incident occurred after deputies responded to reports of a shooting in a rural area near Saco, a small town located on Highway 2 in the western part of the state.
Sheriff Jerry Lytle reported that deputies were called to the scene of the shooting at 7:39 p.m. on Sunday, where they found a victim who had been shot. The suspect, still on the property, threatened anyone who approached. When law enforcement arrived, the suspect fled in a vehicle, prompting deputies to give chase.
During the pursuit, the suspect intentionally rammed his vehicle into a deputy’s car, leading to a disabling collision. In response, the deputies were compelled to use deadly force, resulting in the death of the suspect. The victim of the initial shooting was transported to a hospital in Billings for treatment.
The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation will oversee an independent inquiry into the incident, with the Valley County coroner handling the death investigation. Sheriff Lytle expressed condolences for both the suspect’s family and the deputies involved, emphasizing the need for a thorough and impartial review process while requesting community support for all affected parties during this difficult time.