A deadly officer-involved incident in Harlem, Montana, has left two people dead and two law enforcement officers injured following an overnight response to an apartment on 3rd Avenue SW.
According to the Montana Department of Justice, Blaine County deputies first responded around 11:17 a.m. Thursday, September 24, after receiving a report involving a man believed to have a high-powered rifle inside an apartment at 223 3rd Avenue SW.
Authorities said the suspect, identified publicly only as a 38-year-old man, refused to cooperate with deputies. Officers became concerned about the safety of a woman who was believed to be inside the residence.
Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the apartment and an arrest warrant for the man amid concerns involving domestic violence.
The Blaine County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from the Central Montana High Risk Unit and the Billings Police Department SWAT Team. Tactical officers arrived at approximately 1:30 a.m. Friday as law enforcement continued efforts to communicate with the man and determine the woman's condition.
The situation escalated around 5:30 a.m. when authorities said the armed man confronted officers. An exchange of gunfire followed, leaving the man fatally injured. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two members of the Central Montana High Risk Unit also sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
After the exchange, law enforcement entered the apartment and discovered the woman deceased inside the residence. Her identity has not been released in the available reports.
The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation is handling the investigation. Investigators are processing evidence and interviewing witnesses as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding the officer-involved critical incident.
A coroner's inquest is also expected following completion of the investigation.
Authorities said the scene was secured and there was no continuing threat to the community.
The identities of the two deceased individuals have not been officially released in the current reporting. Therefore, the name ShanzTjz Morin has not been independently confirmed by the sources reviewed.
