Triple homicide

Police in Great Falls are investigating a predawn shooting in which three people were fatally shot and one injured at the Emerald City Casino, which is located within a main commercial strip in the city.

tracked down and fatally shot by police around three hours later

The rampage took place early Tuesday morning, with police responding to a request for assistance shortly after 2am. The suspect involved in the shooting was tracked down and fatally shot by police around three hours later.

Suspect tracked down

Police arrived at the casino after receiving a request for assistance during a 911 call. Police and paramedics found three victims inside, already deceased, upon arriving at the scene. A fourth victim, whose injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, at a nearby hospital.

The injuries of the surviving victim, who is being cared for at Benefis Hospital, are unknown. A spokeswoman for the hospital stated that the patient was in a stable condition in the hospital’s intensive care unit.

Police searched for the shooter for over three hours before finding him in a residential neighborhood. The suspect was located about a mile from the casino. Officers fatally shot the suspect around 5:45am.

Happened behind elementary school

Great Falls Public Schools Superintendent Tom Moore said the suspect’s shooting behind the elementary school and investigation in the local area led to the decision to close the school. He went on to praise the rapid response from police, stating:

The response from the Great Falls Police Department was almost immediate.”

Due to the shooting, the school district has provided mental health professionals for students, parents, and members of the community.

The CARE team of the district provided assistance at the Paris Gibson Education Center. The CARE team will continue to offer services at Lincoln Elementary for the remainder of the week.