DCI to aid investigation into drug-bust shooting

HELENA — State investigators say an undercover Missoula police detective was shot during a drug sting when the suspect pulled a gun and tried to take the contraband, the state Department of Justice said.

The agency’s Division of Criminal Investigation said the detective was involved in a narcotics transaction in his vehicle Wednesday afternoon when the suspect pulled a weapon on the officer. Both men were shot.

The suspect tried to flee but was apprehended by backup officers.

The 33-year-old officer spent the night in the hospital and was expected to be released Thursday, the Justice Department said in a statement. The 25-year-old suspect was treated for a gunshot wound and booked into the Missoula County jail.

A 22-year-old woman also was arrested.

The DCI did not release their names and jail officials declined to confirm their identities.

“This was a dynamic incident with a series of rapidly unfolding events,” DCI Administrator Bryan Lockerby said in the statement. “There are a number of people who still need to be located and interviewed in order to determine the extent of involvement in this shooting. Our agents are working diligently to reconstruct the events leading up to this incident.”

Once the investigation is complete, a report will be submitted to the Missoula County attorney’s office.