Billings, Mont. – Billings Police responded to an officer-involved shooting on the city’s north side Thursday afternoon. Northern News Network’s Ken Adelblue attended a Friday morning press conference held by Billings Police Chief Rich St. John.
Chain of Events Leading to the Shooting
Officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of North 26th Street after a report of a suspicious male attempting to steal a vehicle. The caller reported that the suspect may have broken a window and was inside the vehicle.
“At approximately 1:50 p.m., officers arrived and observed the suspect rummaging through a vehicle. Upon seeing the officers, the suspect fled on foot. Officers pursued him, repeatedly instructing him to stop, but he refused,” Chief St. John explained.
During the foot chase, officers observed the suspect reach for a handgun in his waistband and turn toward them. In response, Officer Quinn Johnson, a seven-year veteran, fired a single shot from his department-issued handgun, striking the suspect in the head.
Suspect Poses Continued Threat Despite Injury
“The shot was not fatal but stunned the suspect, causing him to fall. Despite being struck, he continued moving and still had access to the handgun. Officers repeatedly gave verbal commands for him to move away from the weapon. After several attempts, another officer deployed a less-lethal beanbag round, which caused the suspect to distance himself from the firearm. Officers then safely detained him, administered first aid, and waited for medical personnel to arrive,” said Chief St. John.
Suspect Information
The suspect is a 28-year-old male with addresses in Billings and Box Elder. He was transported to a local medical facility for treatment and is currently in stable condition. He remains detained at the facility and has not been formally charged; therefore, his name is not being released. Authorities confirm he has an active Yellowstone County warrant for contempt of court.
Next Steps
As with all officer-involved shootings, the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave while investigations are ongoing.
“The investigation is preliminary, and our understanding of the incident may change as more evidence is reviewed. Montana’s Division of Criminal Investigations is serving as the primary investigative agency. Additionally, our Office of Professional Standards is conducting an administrative review to ensure department policies, procedures, and use-of-force protocols were followed. This review will also identify any potential training or equipment needs,” Chief St. John stated.
Investigators are reviewing body-worn camera footage, physical evidence, witness statements, and dispatch records. Once completed, the case will be submitted to the Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office for review regarding potential criminal charges. At the county attorney’s discretion, a coroner’s inquest may be conducted even though no fatalities occurred.
Chief St. John emphasized, “No citizens or officers were physically harmed during the incident. We understand that events like this can be distressing for the community. Our commitment is to transparency, accountability, and conducting a thorough, fact-based investigation. Updates will be provided as legally permissible.”
By Ken Adelblue
Northern News Network
