P.C. Sheriff's Deputy Pursuit Ends with Use of Deadly Force

The following is a Press Release by Phillips County Sheriff Jerry Lytle submitted to the PCN on Monday, April 29.

On Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 7:39 PM, Phillips County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to an address South of Saco for a person who had been shot. The suspect was reported to be still armed and threatened that anyone coming into the yard would get shot.

Deputies and ambulance personnel responded to the scene. The suspect was confronted, resulting in a pursuit. During the pursuit, the suspect rammed his vehicle into a deputy’s car disabling it. The deputies responded with deadly force and the suspect was killed.

The original gunshot victim was transported to a Billings Hospital with serious injuries and the suspect was declared deceased at the scene. There is no current threat to the public.

At Sheriff Lytle’s request, the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation has been asked to conduct an independent investigation and the Valley County Coroner has been asked to conduct the death investigation.

After the completion of the investigation, a public Coroner’s Inquest will be held as required by Montana statute. The Valley County Coroner will release the name of the suspect after all notifications have been made.

Sheriff Lytle stated, “This is a difficult time for both the suspect’s family and the Deputies involved. I am committed to having a complete and independent process and ask that the community keeps all the families involved in their thoughts and prayers.”

Phillips County Deputies were assisted by Valley County Sheriff’s Deputies, Blaine County Deputies, and the Glasgow Police Department.