1 dead, 1 arrested after Missoula shooting, standoff

MISSOULA, Mont. — UPDATE, 07:20:

The Missoula Police Department reports that a 56-year-old man has died after a shooting Monday night.

Officers responded to a report of a man shot in the 1700 block of South 8th St. West around 7:30 p.m. Monday.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to a news release, the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) were activated when the 35-year-old suspect, John “Joan” Eikens, returned to his residence with the firearm and barricaded himself. inside

Chemical agents and flash sound distraction devices were used to arrest Eikens after 11 p.m.

Original report:

Officers have a suspect in custody and say there is no threat to the public after a shots fired call in Missoula Monday night.

Sergeant Griffith of the Missoula Police Department says there was a heavy police presence in the area of ​​8th and Catlin and Garfield streets.

The situation remains at a home in the 1700 block of South 8th West as a few officers are still at the scene investigating, but most have left.

Police responded around 7:45 p.m., then arrested a suspect about four hours later.

Full release:

Shortly after 7:30 p.m. on June 3, 2024, Missoula Police Department officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of South 8th St. West after reports of a man shot. Upon arrival, first responding patrol officers attempted lifesaving measures. Sadly, the 56-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Missoula Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

Witnesses reported that the 35-year-old suspect, John “Joan” Eikens, returned to his residence with the firearm and barricaded himself inside. In response to this situation, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) were activated. Detectives also attended the scene to further investigate the incident.

The CNT made numerous attempts to establish contact with the homicide suspect over several hours, using verbal communication and messaging, but these efforts were unsuccessful.

SWAT subsequently employed various procedures and operations to apprehend the suspect, including the use of less-than-lethal methods, including chemical agents and flash sound distraction devices.

Shortly after 11 p.m., SWAT successfully apprehended the Eikens without further incident.

We want to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.