Granite County Sheriff Scott Dunkerson issued a press release early Friday morning about a fatal officer involved shooting near Phillipsburg on Thursday evening.

‘On April 16, 2020 at about 7:00 P.M. there were multiple 911 calls reporting a disturbance at the Sunshine Station near Philipsburg on Highway 1.  A Granite County Deputy and a Fish and Game Warden were dispatched to the scene and upon arrival found the suspect using his vehicle to ram other citizens vehicles and criminally endangering pedestrians.  After failed attempts to stop the suspect, the suspect is reported to have hit another innocent citizens vehicle and the Deputy’s vehicle.  Because of the imminent danger of situation the Deputy discharged his duty weapon.  The suspect is deceased and after notification of next of kin, his name will be released. 

I have asked the Department of Criminal Investigation and an independent Coroner to conduct an investigation into the matter.  Montana Highway Patrol has been requested as well to reconstruct the scene.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Deputy, his family, other victims, as well as the Decedent’s family during this difficult time.

The Deputy and the Warden were uninjured, and per Office policy, the Deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an administrative review.

No other details will be released at this time.  More details will be provided as the investigation unfolds.

There is no known further threat to the community at this time.’   

 

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