Standoff ends after gunfire exchange with woman on Dawn Drive
TERESA BYRD | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years AGO
Law enforcement officers exchanged gunfire with a woman during an armed standoff in Columbia Falls that lasted more than seven hours Wednesday.
Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino said he believed the woman was hit by officers' gunfire during the exchange. He said she was taken to a local hospital after officers took her into custody. The extent of her injuries was unknown.
Two officers involved in the gunfire exchange will be placed on administrative leave, Heino said.
The standoff ended shortly after 5 p.m. after law enforcement officials tried to negotiate with the armed woman who was holed up in a camper on Dawn Drive, just east of Halfmoon Road.
Flathead County sheriff’s deputies and Columbia Falls police officers first responded to the scene at about 10 a.m.
Law enforcement officials continued to conduct negotiations with the suspect through the afternoon. Four rounds of tear gas were thrown into the camper, including two at 2 p.m., and two more 10 minutes later.
Officers hoped the tear gas would end the standoff, but the woman didn't come out of the camper.
The first call came in at 9:15 a.m. when neighbors reported shots being fired.
Neighbors evacuated their homes and remained outside through the afternoon, while other residents trying to get to their homes weren't allowed into the neighborhood.
A Missoula County Sheriff's Office vehicle and officers responded at about 4 p.m. to assist.
ARTICLES BY TERESA BYRD

Back to drawing board for North Fork land regs
The Flathead County Planning Board indefinitely tabled a petition for a zoning amendment by the North Fork Land Use Advisory Committee last week, claiming that some of the language could get the county into legal hot water.

New restaurant opens in Hungry Horse
The Great Bear Cafe, located across the highway from the Huckleberry Patch in Hungry Horse, celebrated its grand opening last week.

New restaurant opens in familiar location in Hungry Horse
A new eatery has opened in Hungry Horse. The Great Bear Café, located across the highway from the Huckleberry Patch, celebrated its grand opening last week.