From: Sheriff Mike Linder – Yellowstone County Sherriff
On January 8, 2015, at approximately 4:35 PM, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Deputies were responding to a reported burglary at a residence on Justice Trail, south of Huntley Mt. At the time of the report, the homeowner did not know if the suspect(s) were still in the residence.
While en-route to investigate the burglary, the responding Deputies observed an older model SUV leaving the area that matched the description of a vehicle which was reported stolen out of Billings earlier that day. The Deputies attempted to follow the vehicle on White Buffalo Road but got stuck in the snow. The stolen SUV drove out of sight.
With the help of local citizens, The Deputies were able to free their patrol vehicle. At that time they were made aware that the suspect vehicle would probably have to come out the same way it went in. Within minutes, the suspect vehicle returned on the same road and approached the Deputies who were standing outside their vehicle. Both Deputies displayed their weapons and began yelling orders at the driver to stop the vehicle. The vehicle continued towards the Deputies and as it approached them the vehicle turned in the direction of one of the Deputies. Both deputies fired their weapons, killing the driver. A dog that was found in the vehicle was transported to a local veterinarian where it is being treated for injuries which it appears to have received during the incident.
Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the incident.
Both Deputies, who’s names will be released later were placed on paid administrative leave as a matter of normal protocol.
The driver of the vehicle had no ID and has not yet been positively identified.
An autopsy has been scheduled for later today.
It is not known at this time if the stolen vehicle being in the area and the burglary are connected. This investigation is ongoing.
A Shooting review board will be convened to determine whether office policies and procedures were followed and a Coroner’s inquest will be scheduled at a later date as required by law.
