GREAT FALLS — The Great Falls Police Department responded to reports of gunshots at the Phoenix Apartments off of 10th Avenue South at around 4 a.m. on Monday.
Residents in the area heard gunshots coming from one of the apartments, which left one person dead and one injured.
Details and video from the scene:
The individual who was shot was taken to Benefis where they were treated and released.
“When officers arrived on scene, there was no active gunfire going on at the time. They were able to find two persons that had been struck by gunfire, one of which has since been declared deceased," GFPD Captain Doug Mahlum said.
“I was just driving down 10th, normal day for me, and I just see those apartments because my friend lives there, and I just see this SWAT truck with a guy pointing a gun right at someone’s house and my first instinct is, ‘Oh my gosh, is my friend okay?’”
Shortly after police arrived, people in the area heard the SWAT team’s announcement to “come out” as they used flashbangs, tear gas, and other tactics to lure out the individuals inside.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that may help the investigation is encouraged to contact the police department.
“I’ve seen little things like a car chase, but I haven’t seen anything this extreme. My neighborhood’s nice and quiet, so I think over here is okay, but I can’t imagine living on 10th. I used to live near there and I can’t do it again. There’s just too much crazy on that side of town,” Reid said.
Captain Mahlum said all suspects involved have been arrested and are in custody at the Great Falls Police Department.
“[There were] several residents inside one of the apartments that we didn’t know exactly their role in the incident; it turns out they are suspects in the crime,” said Mahlum.
According to GFPD, the area has been secured, but it is still an active crime scene, and some law enforcement officers may still be present as they process the area.
“We believe we’ve got everything contained at this point in time,” Mahlum added.
Authorities have not yet publicly identified the person who died, nor any of the suspect.
We will update you as we get more information.
