GREAT FALLS — James Colby Smith has been arrested after an incident in Hungry Horse that resulted in the SWAT team being called to the scene.
The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office reports they received information about the possible location of four stolen snowmobiles at a residence on River Drive. Deputies responded to the scene and talked with the homeowners, which led to the discovery of the stolen snowmobiles.
During this investigation, a man – later identified as Smith -- ran from the location after falling out of the ceiling of one of the buildings on the property, according to a news release. Officers chased Smith and additional units responded to help with the chase. A Taser was deployed but did not connect with Smith.
Smith then tried to break into a neighboring residence in an attempt to hide but was "denied access" to the residence, according to the Sheriff's Office.
A deputy saw Smith run into another nearby residence and a perimeter was set up. Authorities say efforts to talk with Smith were not successful.
The Sheriff’s Office reports that due to Smith's access to weapons, as well as the burglary, the Flathead County SWAT and Kalispell Police Department SRT team also responded to the scene.
Officers spent about two hours trying to negotiate with Smith, who is accused of making threats toward law enforcement, according to a news release. Negotiations were not producing results, so gas was deployed into the residence and Smith surrendered a short time later.
Smith was arrested and taken to the Flathead County Detention Center. The Sheriff’s Office says that when search warrants were served, it was determined Smith had fired shots inside the home.
The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division is continuing to follow leads as they investigate the incident.
According to the Montana Department of Corrections, Smith has felony convictions in Flathead County for criminal endangerment, and Powell County for escape.
