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Barricade situation ends with arrest

| June 9, 2020 8:30 AM

A barricade situation near the U.S. Highway 2 corridor in Libby ended with one individual in police custody late in the evening June 5.

Authorities have not released the identity of the suspect, describing him only as an adult male, or any charges he might face. The man surrendered after negotiating with city police officers and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies, said Libby Police Chief Scott Kessel.

Personnel from both agencies responded to the scene after a report of an assault near the intersection of Montana Avenue and 10th Street about 7:15 p.m. Officials said two people had suffered minor injuries after being assaulted.

The suspect later barricaded himself into his home as responding law enforcement personnel formed a perimeter, according to authorities.

“With the nature of the offense, it wasn’t something where we would be safe just walking away and letting him have access to the public,” Kessel said. “[There were] allegations of pointing a weapon at somebody and physical assaults — that makes him, obviously, a threat to others.”

Kessel said his officers worked with deputies to evacuate nearby homes and residences. He praised the cooperation between the two agencies, describing it as the product of years of working together.

“[In] this particular incident, the time of day, the location was very high profile, and in this sense we had to clear out neighboring residences and businesses for the safety of the occupants,” Kessel said. “We constantly work together. It’s like one big team.”

Kessel said Sheriff Darren Short availed the police department with a member of his staff with negotiation training. Had negotiations failed, Libby police officials would have looked to the Flathead County Special Response Team for assistance, Kessel said.

Undersheriff Brad Dodson, also on scene, estimated about 15 law enforcement personnel from his office and the local police department participated in the standoff.

In the release posted to Facebook over the weekend, officials said no shots were fired, stemming rumors spreading on local social media.

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

Kessel said more information about the incident likely would come to light after charges were formally filed against the suspect. He expected the judicial system process to begin Monday, after The Western News’ press deadline.