GREAT FALLS — Austin Schneiderhan has been arrested after he allegedly hit a Great Falls police officer while driving his van "aggressively."
According to the Great Falls Police Department, officers were dispatched at around 9:45 p.m. for a report of a "suspicious incident" behind the Cartwheel Bar on 10th Avenue South.
Officers found a white van in the parking lot; the driver - later identified as Schneiderhan - put the van in reverse and made "aggressive maneuvers." One officer was hit by the vehicle, but was not seriously injured.
Schneiderhahn then ran away into the nearby parking lot of Target, and was apprehended outside the front door of Albertsons grocery store.
Schneiderhan is facing at least one charge of assault on a peace officer, and could be charged with other offenses.
The GFPD noted that he does have a criminal record.
(1st REPORT, 10:34 pm) Numerous police officers are at the scene of an incident in front the Albertsons grocery store on 10th Avenue South in Great Falls.
There are at least six police patrol vehicles in the parking lot, and officers are investigating a white van that has "GFPD" written on the back window.
A witness told KRTV that "a white van looked like bullet holes all down the driver side of the van."
Just after 10 p.m., officers were working to evacuate the parking lot.
Police have not yet released any information about the incident, and there is no word at this point on whether anyone has been injured or taken into custody.
There does not appear to be any danger to the public.
We expect that the Great Falls Police Department will release details about the incident on Tuesday, and we will update you when as get more information.
