News

Actions

UPDATE: Lewis and Clark Co. Sheriff’s Office looking for information on homicide suspect

Posted
and last updated

UPDATE: 10:00 P.M.:

A Facebook post from the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office says that the red truck has been found, but we are still looking for the SUV, a black two-door 1990s Chevy S-10 blazer with custom black rims.

UPDATE: 5:25 P.M.:

The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office is looking for assistance in locating two vehicles possible involved in a recent homicide in the Valley.

The public is asked to be on the lookout for a black two door SUV and a red 1990’s Chevy S-10.

Law enforcement do not believe the occupants are armed or considered dangerous at this time.

Both vehicles were last seen on June 30th, at a residence on the 3400 block of Beck Street, which is located in the East Helena Valley area. The black SUV appears to be a two door 1990’s Chevy S-10 blazer with larger tires and custom black rims. Below is an actual photo of the vehicle.

The red truck is a 1975 Ford F-150 Ranger, Highboy, with a faded paint job. The possible plate on the truck is Montana 5-38966B.  The photo  below is not an actual photo of the truck, but of one similar.

If located please contact Detective James Ward at 457-8866. Do not attempt to make contact with any occupants of the vehicle if located.

HELENA- Lewis and Clark Co. Sheriff Leo Dutton tells MTN that a man was arrested on suspicion of deliberate homicide on Monday night.

Thomas Ralph Bristow made his first appearance in Lewis and Clark County Justice Court on Tuesday. His bond was set at $200,000, and his arraignment was set for July 17.

According to the sheriff’s office, a witness contacted deputies to report a possible homicide east of Helena. Bristow was arrested around 7:20 p.m. on Monday.

Court documents say witnesses had reported Bristow shot a victim at a property on Beck Street, after an altercation connected to a drug deal. According to the affidavit of probable cause, detectives found evidence of a shooting at the property.

Dutton said this is still an active investigation, but he does not believe there is any active threat to the public. If anyone recognizes Bristow and has information they would like to share with law enforcement, Dutton encouraged them to call Lewis and Clark Sheriff’s Office at (406) 447-8235.

Bristow has been charged with deliberate homicide, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and criminal possession of dangerous drugs.