Saturday, September 13, 2025
72.0°F

One killed in deputy-involved shooting in Lake County

DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 4 months AGO
by DERRICK PERKINS
Daily Inter Lake | April 25, 2023 2:55 PM

Deputies in Lake County shot and killed a 27-year-old man who allegedly tried to attack them during a welfare check on April 24, Sheriff Don Bell said Tuesday.

Bell identified the dead man as Christopher Ochs of Missoula.

“The Lake County Sheriff's Office sends our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Ochs,” Bell said in a press release announcing the deputy-involved shooting.

The shooting occurred after deputies were asked to help an individual perform a welfare check on a person located in a home on Cold Creek Lane, officials said. As deputies approached the home about 2:30 p.m., Ochs allegedly emerged wielding a large Bowie knife.

A deputy shot him after he charged at them, Bell said.

The Missoula County Coroner’s Office is overseeing the death investigation, according to Bell. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation is reviewing the shooting, he said.

Bell said that his office planned on releasing no further information, citing the privacy of Ochs’ family and the state review of the shooting.

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com.

ARTICLES BY DERRICK PERKINS

September 12, 2025 midnight

Woman arrested for attempted stabbing in Kalispell given deferred sentence

A woman accused of an attempted stabbing with a pocketknife in downtown Kalispell in 2023 later earned a deferred sentence in Flathead County District Court.

September 11, 2025 midnight

Kalispell motorist who fled police in 2024 given deferred sentence

A Kalispell man who earned a slew of charges in Flathead County District Court after leading police on a chase in January 2024 received a deferred sentence earlier this year.

Kalispell Police investigating reports of gunfire
September 8, 2025 8:40 a.m.

Kalispell Police investigating reports of gunfire

Authorities are investigating a spate of gunshots reported in downtown Kalispell and the city's south end Sunday night.