Missoula, MT (August 9, 2021) – At approximately 12:45 p.m. Missoula County Dispatch received a report from a caller on Gray Wolf Drive located in Arlee, Montana, that when passing by a side-by-side UTV, the driver of the UTV pointed, and reportedly shot at the caller’s vehicle. Missoula County Sheriff’s Deputies quickly responded. Also on scene were Tribal Fish and Game Officers.
Additional calls of a young male in a side-by-side pointing a gun, with possible shots heard, were reported from residents on Vanderburg Lane. One responding law enforcement vehicle was struck as shots were fired by the juvenile. Missoula County Special Response team was dispatched to the area at approximately 1:05 p.m. and a mutual aid request was made to Two Bear Air to assist in locating the juvenile
As Deputies were working to locate and detain the juvenile, Missoula County 911, on behalf of Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, issued a public safety notice to residents in the area to remain in their homes and advised that all others avoid the area.
Missoula County Sheriff’s Deputies and Special Response Team members on duty located the juvenile male near the end of Vanderburg Lane. Officers confronted the armed juvenile, using extreme caution and with a high degree of restraint, to bring the incident to a close peacefully and without incident.
The juvenile was apprehended without incident and has been transported for a standard medical clearance.
“Missoula County Sheriff’s Deputies train for incidents like these to keep our communities safe. I am thankful for the quick response, but more importantly the safety of those living in the Vanderburg neighborhood and Arlee. The professionalism exhibited by all law enforcement on scene brought this incident to a close peacefully.” stated Missoula County Sheriff, TJ McDermott.
Due to the ongoing investigation no further details are available at this time.
