One dead after Monday morning shooting near Columbia Falls
DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months, 1 week AGO
NEWS EDITOR Derrick Perkins serves as News Editor at the Daily Inter Lake. He oversees daily news coverage and works closely with reporters to plan, edit and publish stories across print and digital platforms. Perkins helps coordinate coverage of local government, public safety, business and community developments throughout Northwest Montana. He works with the reporting staff to strengthen journalism while maintaining consistent daily coverage. His role helps ensure the newsroom delivers timely, accurate reporting that readers rely on. IMPACT: Derrick’s work keeps readers informed about the decisions and events shaping their communities every day. | May 11, 2026 2:00 PM
A Monday morning shooting near Columbia Falls left one person dead and another wounded, authorities say.
The Flathead County Sheriff's Office and Columbia Falls Police Department headed to the 200 block of Dawn Drive about 7:09 a.m. for reports of gunfire, officials said. Investigators believe the two individuals involved in the confrontation exchanged fire. Both suffered gunshot wounds.
One person was declared dead at the scene, officials said. Their body has since been taken to the Montana State Crime Lab for examination, which will determine the official cause and manner of death.
Officials are working on identifying the individual killed and notifying their next of kin, according to authorities.
The shooting remains under investigation, officials said.
News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 406-758-4430 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.
ARTICLES BY DERRICK PERKINS
Motorist accused of hitting flagger in Whitefish construction zone
A Whitefish motorist suspected of running over the foot of a construction zone flagger in June is now up on a felony charge.
Suspect charged in brutal assault near Glacier Park International Airport last year
stry
Serio given 100-year sentence for killing a man with his car in 2025
Convicted murderer Jeffrey Scott Serio received a 100-year prison sentence Wednesday for intentionally running over and killing a Flathead Valley man in the summer of 2025.