Billings, Montana – In the early hours of February 4th, 2024, the Billings Police Department (BPD) was called to address a domestic disturbance on the 2100 block of Custer Avenue. Despite their swift response, the 30-year-old male suspect had already fled the scene by the time officers arrived. Armed with a description of both the suspect and his vehicle, law enforcement quickly sprang into action.
An alert officer spotted a vehicle matching the provided description heading north on Zimmerman Trail from Grand Avenue. After confirming it was indeed the suspect’s vehicle, the officers decided to bide their time before attempting a traffic stop.
As the vehicle ascended Zimmerman Trail and veered east onto Highway 3, it initially adhered to the speed limit. However, it wasn’t long before the suspect accelerated, prompting the officers to initiate a chase. Concerns for public safety, as well as that of the officers and the suspect himself, led to the decision to cease the pursuit.
Undeterred, the suspect increased his speed, making a dramatic turn around a half-mile west of the Highway 3 & North 27th Street roundabout. The chase came to a harrowing conclusion when the suspect’s vehicle left the roadway, driving off the edge of the rims.
BPD officers, along with YCSO deputies, located the vehicle at the base of the Rims. Tragically, the suspect was found deceased at the scene. The BPD Crash Team has since taken over the investigation, marking a somber end to a high-speed chase that raised concerns over the balance between apprehending suspects and ensuring public safety.
