Officer-Involved Critical Incident in Great Falls Ends in Crash and Ongoing Investigation

GREAT FALLS, MONTANA — A tense and dangerous situation unfolded late this afternoon in and around Great Falls, culminating in an “Officer Involved Critical Incident” and crash at the intersection of 38th Street and 2nd Avenue North. The chaotic chain of events began with the theft of a vehicle east of Great Falls, just outside the city limits, and escalated rapidly into a high-speed pursuit and exchange of gunfire that has shaken the local community.

Incident Timeline

According to initial reports from law enforcement, the incident began when a vehicle was reported stolen in rural Cascade County. Deputies with the Cascade County Sheriff/Coroner’s Office (CCSO) responded swiftly and were able to locate the stolen vehicle. A pursuit was initiated as the suspect fled in the direction of Great Falls.

Upon entering city limits, the situation took a dramatic and highly dangerous turn. Law enforcement officials from both the Great Falls Police Department (GFPD) and CCSO came under fire as the suspect allegedly began discharging a firearm at pursuing officers and deputies at multiple points during the chase.

In a harrowing development, it is believed that the suspect may have also fired shots at civilians during the incident. Authorities are urging anyone who believes they may have been affected or witnessed any part of the event to come forward.

The Pursuit’s Climax

The pursuit came to a head near 38th Street and 2nd Avenue North, where the suspect’s vehicle crashed. It remains unclear at this time whether the crash was caused by police intervention, loss of control, or another factor, but the aftermath marked the conclusion of what law enforcement described as an extremely volatile and dangerous situation.

Joint Investigation Underway

Due to the severity of the incident and the use of firearms against law enforcement and potentially civilians, a comprehensive investigation has been launched. The Montana Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is leading the multi-agency effort to determine the full sequence of events and any additional threats posed by the suspect.

The names and conditions of any individuals involved have not yet been released, and it is unclear whether the suspect was injured or taken into custody. Further details will be provided pending the outcome of the initial investigation and notifications to affected parties.

Appeal to the Public

The GFPD is requesting assistance from the public in gathering all available information related to the incident. Anyone who was in the area during the time of the pursuit or believes they may have witnessed shots fired is urged to contact Detective Fleming. Individuals can leave a voicemail at (406) 455-8519 or send a private message to the GFPD Facebook page.

Authorities emphasized that even seemingly minor details may prove crucial to the investigation.

Community on Alert

This event has deeply unsettled the Great Falls community, as news of shots fired at both officers and citizens has heightened public concern. Residents are being asked to remain vigilant and avoid the area near the crash site as law enforcement continues to process the scene.

Officials from both CCSO and GFPD expressed gratitude for the rapid and coordinated response of their teams, and reaffirmed their commitment to transparency as the investigation unfolds. Additional details, including suspect information and possible charges, are expected to be released in the coming days.

Looking Ahead

As Great Falls recovers from the shock of today’s events, community members are encouraged to remain calm and informed. Law enforcement will continue to provide updates and work closely with state investigators to ensure all aspects of the incident are thoroughly examined.

This remains a developing story. Anyone with information is strongly urged to reach out. The bravery of responding officers, combined with public cooperation, will play a key role in achieving justice and ensuring community safety.