(BUTTE) A man who pointed a rifle at police officers in Butte was shot on Monday.
The man reportedly had taken prescription medication in an apparent suicide attempt, and is now being treated at a Butte hospital.
According to a press release, at 3:24 a.m., police officers responded to a residence on Maryland Avene for a report of an apparent suicide attempt.
Officers attempted to talk with the man, while Butte Fire Rescue and A-1 Ambulance were staged nearby.
After several minutes of knocking on the door, the officers saw the man inside with a rifle. The man then came out of the residence with the rifle.
Officers reportedly retreated from a porch area and ordered the man to drop the weapon.
The man then allegedly swung the rifle toward the officers, and both officers fired several rounds from their handguns at him. The man was struck in the right forearm with one round.
The scene was secured and the suspect was taken to St. James Healthcare.
The suspect, a 38-year-old man, is currently being treated at St. James and surgery may be needed. The injury does not appear to be life-threatening.
No officers were injured.
According to Sheriff Ed Lester, the suspect’s weapon was a .22 caliber rifle. The weapon has been recovered at the scene.
Agents from the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation are on scene and will conduct the investigation into the incident.
We will update you when we get more information.
- Reported by John Emeigh
