FERGUS COUNTY, MONTANA — A semi-truck driver and his occupants fled into a nearby field in the early morning hours of April 5 after a trailing vehicle opened fire on their truck on Highway 191 south of Eddies Corner, causing the semi to erupt in flames and burn to the ground.
The driver called 911 to report shots being fired from a vehicle behind him. While Fergus County Sheriff’s Office, Wheatland County Sheriff’s Office, and Judith Basin County Sheriff’s Office were en route, dispatch received updated reports that the semi was fully engulfed in flames and the occupants had run into a field for cover. Moore Fire and Hobson Fire were also dispatched to the scene. All occupants escaped safely. The truck was completely destroyed.
Shortly after arriving, deputies located a vehicle matching the description provided by the driver. Officers ordered the driver out at gunpoint. The suspect was detained without incident and taken into custody.
Investigators say there is no ongoing threat to the public. The investigation remains ongoing. Traffic on Highway 191 was reduced to one lane while crews cleared the scene.
“We want to thank everyone that responded, and a big shout out to Central Montana Dispatch for making sure everyone was updated during an event like this!” the Fergus County Sheriff’s Office said.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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