Thursday, March 05, 2026
28.0°F

Libby standoff ends with man in custody

SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 9 months AGO
by SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER
Hagadone News Network | May 21, 2023 6:55 PM

A standoff early Sunday morning in Libby ended with one man in custody and a woman the alleged victim of an assault.

According to a press release from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, a county dispatcher received a call at about 1:01 a.m. for a report of disturbance involving a man with a weapon at 1309 Washington Ave.

When deputies arrived, they learned that several individuals had been threatened by a man, identified as 36-year-old Chase Butala, with a weapon and a female had been assaulted.

The people who were threatened were interviewed and left the scene. Butala and the female were still inside the residence.

Multiple attempts were made to contact Butala, but he reportedly refused to come to the door or speak with deputies.

The Sheriff's Office contacted the Northwest Regional SWAT Team based in Kalispell and requested their assistance.

When the SWAT team arrived, continued attempts were made to contact Butala. After receiving no response, the decision was made to breach the front door to make contact.

When officers entered, they reported that Butala surrendered to SWAT team members and was transported to the Lincoln County Detention Center.

Butala is currently charged with assault and aggravated assault pending further investigation.

ARTICLES BY SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER

Officers involved in shooting near Libby while serving warrant
March 5, 2026 10 a.m.

Officers involved in shooting near Libby while serving warrant

Lincoln County law enforcement officers were involved in a shooting Wednesday afternoon at a location on Libby Creek Road, authorities said.

Local officers involved in shooting near Libby
March 5, 2026 11:15 a.m.

Local officers involved in shooting near Libby

During the course of serving the warrant...

Four dead in head-on crash in Lincoln County
March 4, 2026 noon

Four dead in head-on crash in Lincoln County

Four people died in a two-vehicle, head-on crash late Tuesday morning on U.S. 2 in Lincoln County.