UPDATE: 6:59 p.m. - February 9, 2026
PHILIPSBURG —The Granite County Sheriff's Office has provided more information on an ongoing investigation into an officer-involved shooting.
Multiple 911 calls came in on February 8 at approximately 3:15 p.m., reporting that two males having an altercation at the Sunshine Station bar in Philipsburg.
One of the males, who threatened the other male with a firearm, left the bar in a green Ford Excursion and headed north towards Drummond on Highway 1.
After deputies were dispatched, they located a vehicle fitting the description and engaged in a brief pursuit until the suspect exited the vehicle and pointed a firearm at the deputies.
The deputy then fired his duty weapon at the suspect, who died from the shooting.
No deputies or members of the public were injured and the deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave per office policy.
The Department of Criminal Investigation and an independent coroner have been requested to continue the investigation.
(first report: 7:07 p.m. - February 8, 2026)
The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting on Highway 1 near Philipsburg on Sunday, according to a press release from the Montana Attorney General's Office.
The incident began around 4 p.m. when a suspect allegedly entered the Sunshine Station bar and threatened patrons with a gun before fleeing the scene.
Granite County Sheriff's Office deputies located the suspect, who led officers on a brief pursuit that ended on Highway 1.
According to DCI, the suspect pointed a gun at an officer, prompting the officer to fire his duty weapon. The suspect was killed in the shooting.
No officers were injured during the incident, and the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Identities of both the officer and suspect have not been released.
We will continue to keep you updated once we learn more.
