Barricade situation in Libby ends peacefully

A barricade situation near the U.S. Highway 2 corridor in Libby ended with one individual in police custody late Friday evening.

Authorities have not released the identity of the individual, describing him only as an adult male, or any charges he might face. The man surrendered peacefully after negotiating with Libby Police officers and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies, according to a press release.

Personnel from both agencies responded to the scene after receiving word of a disturbance near the intersection of Montana Avenue and 10th Street about 7:30 p.m. Officials said two people had suffered minor injuries after being assaulted.

The adult male later barricaded himself into his home, according to the release. Responding to reports the man had a firearm, officers and deputies evacuated nearby homes and businesses while setting up a perimeter around the home.

Undersheriff Brad Dodson referred most questions to Chief Scott Kessel of the Libby Police Department, which spearheaded the response. But Dodson said there were about 15 law enforcement personnel involved.

Kessel could not immediately be reached for comment.

In the release, officials said no shots were fired.

“This incident had the best possible outcome for all involved,” department officials wrote in a statement posted to Facebook. “Thank you to the officers and deputies for a professional job done well."