UPDATE (4:15 p.m.) — Further reports from the Missoula Police Department say that a known fugitive from Washington is a suspect in the exchange of gunshots between police and the suspect.

25-year-old Olajide Fletcher was wanted in connection with a drive-by shooting that occurred Monday afternoon near Moses Lake, Wash. and was discovered by deputy U.S. Marshalls at approximately 3 p.m. Thursday at CitiLodge Motel on West Broadway.

A press release from Missoula police Sergeant Travis Welsh  said officers responded to the motel to assist.

As they moved in to make the arrest, the suspect intentionally accelerated toward several Deputy Marshalls who were in a vehicle.  A Missoula officer fired three shots at the driver of the vehicle as it rammed the other car.  The suspect male and female occupant were then taken into custody.

Reports said the suspect was treated for glass fragments in one of his eyes, but there were no other injuries reported.

Welsh said a warrant had been issued for Fletcher with a $250,000 bond and was accompanied by several "officer caution alerts."  He was also reported to be "armed and dangerous."

Traffic is currently being diverted around the 1100 block of Broadway while the investigation is taking place.

Welsh said since it was a Missoula police officer involved shooting, the investigation will be conducted by the Montana Department of Criminal Investigations out of Helena.

 

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