GFPD - Shooting Incident near Great Falls High School

February 21, 2023
Shooting Incident near Great Falls High School

GREAT FALLS, MT – On February 21st, 2023, at approximately 7:53 AM, police responded to the 1600 block of Valeria Way for a 15-year-old shooting victim. People in the area heard gunshots and then heard the victim yelling he had been shot. Upon arrival, police learned the victim was walking to school at Great Falls High School when the incident occurred. Police were also provided the names of two suspects who had fled the area on foot. 

Police were told the suspects fled the area going south, away from the school. Even considering the suspects’ direction of travel and out of caution, the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Great Falls High was immediately notified and both Great Falls High and Longfellow Elementary were placed into shelter-in-place. 

At approximately 8:14 AM, the first suspect, a 16-year-old male, was detained at a nearby residence. The 16-year-old male has withdrawn from Great Falls Public Schools and is no longer a student. At approximately 8:37 AM, a 15-year-old male was detained at a separate residence. Further investigation revealed neither of these suspects were responsible for the shooting. 

During the course of the investigation, police identified a third juvenile suspect. This suspect was placed into custody at the residence where the 16-year-old male was located (above). The suspect is a 14-year-old East Middle School student, who is currently a Homebound student. Homebound students receive educational services on-line and are not allowed on school property. The suspected firearm has been located and is in police custody. The 14-year-old suspect is being charged with Assault with a Weapon. The investigation is on-going.

This afternoon, the victim is out of surgery and in stable condition. Please keep the victim and his family in your thoughts. Obviously, this incident could have had much more tragic results. The incident was not random and results from on-going disagreements. This by no means excuses this behavior, even on-going disagreements should never result in violence.

GFPS and GFPD, through the SRO program, investigate threats to students on a continual basis. However, this is a team effort. Parents and guardians, please talk to your children about communicating any threatening behavior to a responsible adult. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Tony Munkres, Lt   406-455-8522    
Alternate Media Contact: Adrienne Ehrke  406-455-8408     

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