Great Falls Theft Charges Filed After High-Speed Chase and Shooting
A recent theft and shooting incident in Great Falls, Montana, has raised serious legal and public safety concerns. On June 4, 2025, law enforcement responded to an incident involving a stolen Jeep and a suspect who allegedly fired shots at officers. The confrontation occurred near the intersection of 2nd Avenue North and 38th Street North, an area just east of the Missouri River in Great Falls. What began as a vehicle theft rapidly escalated into a high-risk police chase and firearm discharge, resulting in felony charges for the suspect involved.
This event highlights the growing concerns around vehicle theft and weapons-related offenses in Cascade County. Prosecutors are treating the case as a major felony, and the charges may include attempted homicide, possession of a stolen vehicle, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and resisting arrest. If you or someone you know is facing theft or weapons charges in Montana, it is critical to understand your legal rights and options.
At Stevenson Law Office, we help clients navigate complex criminal charges throughout Great Falls and the surrounding region. Call us at (406) 642-0207 or visit our contact page to speak with a defense attorney today.
What Happened During the Great Falls Theft and Shooting on June 4, 2025
Law enforcement in Great Falls responded to a high-risk situation involving a stolen vehicle and gunfire on the morning of June 4, 2025. The incident took place near 2nd Avenue North and 38th Street North, where officers attempted to stop a suspect who had allegedly stolen a Jeep. When police located the vehicle, the driver reportedly fled the scene and discharged a firearm in the direction of pursuing officers. Authorities quickly set up a perimeter, leading to the suspect’s arrest shortly afterward.
The Location of the Incident Near 2nd Avenue North and 38th Street North
The confrontation unfolded in a residential neighborhood east of downtown Great Falls. This area lies near several local roads with moderate traffic flow, making the incident especially dangerous for nearby residents and bystanders. The Google Maps location shows how close the scene was to homes, schools, and public parks, highlighting the urgent need for a safe police response.
The Suspect’s Alleged Behavior During the Encounter
According to Montana Right Now, the suspect attempted to flee when officers approached. During the pursuit, the individual allegedly fired shots at law enforcement. Officers recovered a firearm at the scene and took the suspect into custody without further injury. Charges are expected to include attempted homicide, unlawful use of a weapon, and theft of a motor vehicle.
Agencies Involved in the Great Falls Arrest
The Great Falls Police Department led the response with support from other local and regional law enforcement agencies. The severity of the case, which includes both property crime and firearms offenses, may also bring in support from federal authorities such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) or the U.S. Department of Justice, especially if the firearm involved crossed state lines or was illegally modified.
Criminal Charges That May Follow the Great Falls Theft Incident
The events that unfolded in Great Falls on June 4, 2025, are likely to result in a range of felony charges against the suspect. Montana law treats firearm offenses, motor vehicle theft, and assaults against peace officers with extraordinary seriousness. When these crimes occur in combination, the penalties become even more severe. The presence of a stolen vehicle and a discharged firearm during an attempted escape creates a strong foundation for both state and potentially federal prosecution.
Montana prosecutors frequently pursue the maximum allowable penalties when violence accompanies property crimes. In this case, the suspect may face enhanced sentencing, mandatory minimum prison terms, and even federal indictment, depending on how the investigation develops.
Felony Theft of a Motor Vehicle in Montana
Stealing a vehicle in Montana is not a simple property crime. Under Montana Code Annotated § 45-6-301, theft becomes a felony if the value of the property exceeds $1,500 or if the property taken is a motor vehicle. In this case, the stolen Jeep likely falls well above that value threshold, qualifying the act as felony auto theft.
Definition and Legal Threshold for Felony Theft
Montana law defines theft as the unauthorized control over another person’s property with the intent to deprive them of it. If that property is a vehicle, prosecutors may charge the suspect with auto theft, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. You can view the statutory language in detail through the Montana Legislature website.
How Vehicle Value and Criminal Intent Influence Charges
The market value of the Jeep will play a critical role in determining sentencing ranges. Prosecutors must also prove that the suspect acted with criminal intent at the time of the theft. Statements made during or after the arrest, surveillance footage, or digital communications could all be used to establish intent in court. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides additional guidance on how car thefts are tracked and investigated nationwide.
Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime
The firearm discharge during the suspect’s attempt to flee the scene elevates the legal severity of this case. Discharging a weapon at law enforcement, even if no one is injured, can result in multiple charges under Montana law, including attempted deliberate homicide and criminal endangerment.
Montana’s Firearms Statutes and Sentencing Guidelines
Montana Code Annotated § 45-5-102 defines deliberate homicide as purposely causing the death of another human being. Attempted deliberate homicide applies when someone tries but fails to kill. If prosecutors can show the suspect intended to kill or harm officers when firing the weapon, they may file this charge. For more information on Montana’s homicide laws, refer to the official Montana Code Annotated criminal statutes.
Criminal Endangerment and Firearm Discharge Near Civilians
Beyond targeting officers, discharging a firearm in a residential neighborhood creates a clear risk to the public. Under § 45-5-207 of the Montana Code, criminal endangerment occurs when a person engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to others. This charge is separate from any crimes directed at law enforcement and is based solely on the danger posed to bystanders. The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) regularly publishes reports that show how gun violence intersects with public safety and criminal sentencing trends.
Assault and Resisting Arrest Charges
Police have indicated that the suspect did not surrender peacefully and may have resisted arrest. Montana law treats interference with law enforcement as a criminal act that compounds the seriousness of the primary offense. Depending on how the suspect behaved during the apprehension, he may face multiple misdemeanor or felony counts.
Resisting Arrest Under Montana Law
Montana Code Annotated § 45-7-301 classifies resisting arrest as a criminal offense when someone intentionally prevents or attempts to prevent a peace officer from making a lawful arrest. Actions like running from the scene, struggling during handcuffing, or making threats can all satisfy the statute. If a weapon is involved, the charge may escalate to a felony. The Montana Law Help website offers resources to better understand how criminal proceedings unfold after an arrest.
Assault on a Peace Officer
Assaulting a law enforcement officer carries special penalties under Montana Code § 45-5-210. Striking, attempting to strike, or threatening officers during official duties may result in a five-year prison sentence and a $50,000 fine. Courts consider these offenses aggravated if the suspect used or brandished a weapon. You can review current judicial guidance for these offenses via the Montana Judicial Branch website.
Potential for Federal Charges After the Great Falls Theft
If the firearm used in this incident was stolen, altered, or transported across state lines, the suspect may face federal charges under the United States Code. The U.S. Department of Justice often pursues federal prosecution in cases involving guns, interstate crime, or assaults on federal or local officers.
How Federal Jurisdiction Can Apply
Federal jurisdiction typically applies when one or more of the following conditions exist: the use of a firearm during a crime of violence, the crossing of state lines with stolen property, or the involvement of federally regulated weapons. In particular, 18 U.S. Code § 924(c) imposes a mandatory five-year minimum sentence for using a firearm during a crime. This sentence must run consecutively to any other penalties, increasing the overall time served. The U.S. Sentencing Commission maintains detailed data on firearm enhancements in federal criminal cases.
Agencies That May Join the Investigation
Although the Great Falls Police Department conducted the initial arrest, federal agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the ATF, or the U.S. Marshals Service may assist in evidence gathering or prosecution. If the suspect has prior felony convictions, was on probation, or possessed a modified weapon, these agencies have strong grounds to get involved.
What to Know About Your Legal Rights After a Great Falls Theft Arrest
If law enforcement arrests you for theft, firearms possession, or assault-related charges in Great Falls, you still retain powerful legal rights under both the Montana Constitution and the United States Constitution. Understanding these rights is critical. They protect you from unlawful searches, coercive interrogation, and excessive bail. Even in high-profile cases like the one on June 4, 2025, the justice system must treat all accused individuals as innocent until proven guilty.
Stevenson Law Office has helped many clients in Cascade County assert their rights and challenge the legality of criminal proceedings. Our team provides aggressive defense strategies from the moment of arrest through trial and appeal.
You Have the Right to Remain Silent
Under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to avoid self-incrimination. That means you are not required to answer questions from police or investigators once arrested. Anything you say, even offhand remarks or explanations, may be used against you in court. This is especially true in high-pressure incidents involving stolen property or weapons.
Why Silence Is Your Strongest Legal Strategy
Many people make the mistake of trying to “explain” themselves to police in hopes of avoiding charges. But even honest answers can be twisted by prosecutors to build a case. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) advises that you should calmly state that you are invoking your right to remain silent and would like to speak to a lawyer.
Once you invoke this right, police must stop questioning you. If they continue, your attorney can later move to suppress any statements under the Miranda doctrine.
You Have the Right to an Attorney
The Sixth Amendment guarantees your right to legal counsel during all phases of a criminal proceeding. From your first police interview to trial and sentencing, you can and should have an attorney present. If you cannot afford private counsel, the court must appoint a public defender to represent you.
When to Ask for a Lawyer in a Criminal Case
The best time to request legal counsel is immediately after arrest. You can say, “I want to speak to a lawyer.” At that point, officers must stop asking questions. The Montana Office of the State Public Defender provides legal services to indigent defendants throughout the state. Stevenson Law Office also offers private criminal defense representation for individuals accused of serious felony charges in Great Falls and surrounding areas.
You Are Protected From Illegal Searches and Seizures
Law enforcement cannot search your vehicle, home, or phone without proper legal authority. Under the Fourth Amendment, all searches must be based on a valid warrant, consent, or specific legal exceptions. In the June 4 case, officers located the stolen Jeep and later recovered a firearm. If these searches were conducted unlawfully, the evidence may be excluded from trial.
How Illegal Searches Can Invalidate Evidence
The U.S. Supreme Court case Mapp v. Ohio established that courts must throw out evidence obtained in violation of constitutional rights. This “Exclusionary Rule” applies in Montana just as it does in any other state. Your attorney may file a motion to suppress the evidence if police failed to obtain a warrant or lacked probable cause to search your property.
Missoula and Great Falls courts consistently evaluate the lawfulness of police conduct when reviewing suppression motions. If officers did not follow proper procedures, the prosecution may lose key evidence that weakens or eliminates their case.
You Have the Right to Reasonable Bail
Montana’s Constitution protects against excessive bail, especially in cases that do not involve injury to others. After your arrest, you must appear before a judge for a bail hearing. The court will consider the severity of the charges, your criminal history, ties to the community, and whether you are a flight risk.
When Bail Can Be Challenged or Reduced
If the court sets bail at an amount you cannot afford, your lawyer can request a bail review hearing. This is common in serious felony cases, especially when the defendant is not accused of causing physical harm. Courts must balance the presumption of innocence with the need to protect the community.
For more information about bail and pretrial release in Montana, consult the Montana Judicial Branch or speak with a criminal defense attorney who regularly appears in Cascade County courts.
You Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty
No matter how serious the allegations, the justice system cannot treat you as guilty until proven so in a court of law. The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees that no state may deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process. This principle applies equally in cases involving theft, gun violence, or attempted homicide.
What Due Process Means for a Criminal Defendant
Due process means you have the right to:
- Receive formal notice of the charges
- Review the evidence against you
- Cross-examine witnesses
- Present your defense
If law enforcement acted outside their authority, failed to preserve evidence, or violated your rights, your attorney can challenge the prosecution’s entire case. These legal safeguards are not technicalities; they are fundamental rights that protect you from wrongful conviction and excessive punishment. The Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School provides further reading on due process and criminal rights.
How Stevenson Law Office Builds a Strong Defense in Great Falls Theft Cases
Facing felony charges in a case involving vehicle theft, firearm discharge, and potential assault on law enforcement can be overwhelming. But no matter how serious the accusations, you are not powerless. At Stevenson Law Office, we provide aggressive, personalized legal defense to individuals accused of high-stakes crimes throughout Cascade County. We analyze every detail of the arrest, challenge constitutional violations, and build powerful legal strategies designed to protect your rights and freedom.
Criminal cases involving multiple charges require early action and legal precision. Our firm begins working immediately to investigate what happened, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome, whether that’s dismissal, reduced charges, or a not-guilty verdict at trial.
Reviewing the Arrest and Initial Police Conduct
The first step in every felony defense is reviewing the legality of the arrest. If officers lacked probable cause or used excessive force, that misconduct may form the basis for motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. In Great Falls, police must follow the same constitutional standards that apply across the state and country.
How We Evaluate Police Actions at the Scene
We request dash cam footage, officer body camera recordings, and radio communications between responding units. These materials often reveal discrepancies between what officers report and what occurred. If the suspect’s vehicle was searched without consent or a warrant, we file a motion under the Fourth Amendment or Article II, Section 11 of the Montana Constitution to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence.
In a fast-moving incident like the one on June 4, small procedural errors can have big consequences in court.
Investigating Whether Law Enforcement Violated Your Rights
Stevenson Law Office aggressively investigates whether police violated your Miranda rights, used intimidation tactics, or failed to follow required legal procedures. Statements made before a proper Miranda warning are inadmissible in court.
Miranda Violations and Constitutional Protections
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Miranda v. Arizona requires police to inform individuals of their rights before custodial interrogation. If law enforcement failed to read these rights to the suspect before asking questions, any responses may be thrown out. We raise these issues early through pretrial motions and suppression hearings to prevent prosecutors from using unconstitutional statements.
Challenging the Evidence and Chain of Custody
Every piece of evidence from a recovered firearm to cell phone data must meet strict standards for admissibility. We investigate whether police mishandled physical evidence, skipped chain-of-custody steps, or submitted forensic materials for testing under flawed conditions.
Why Evidence Handling Matters in Criminal Trials
The Montana State Crime Lab must follow standardized procedures when testing substances or firearms. If prosecutors cannot prove how the evidence moved from the scene to the courtroom, we argue that its reliability is compromised. Defense experts may also testify about potential contamination or analytical errors, weakening the prosecution’s case.
Flaws in testing or documentation may result in entire categories of evidence being excluded, giving your case a stronger path to acquittal or dismissal.
Seeking Charge Reductions or Alternative Sentencing
If the facts support your involvement but mitigating circumstances exist, Stevenson Law Office negotiates aggressively for reduced charges, diversion programs, or deferred sentencing under Montana law. For example, if the weapon was not discharged directly at an officer or if the suspect lacked prior felonies, we may argue for leniency.
When Deferred Sentencing Applies in Great Falls
Under Montana Code § 46-18-201, eligible defendants can avoid a criminal conviction by entering into a deferred prosecution agreement. If you comply with court conditions such as attending counseling, avoiding further arrests, or performing community service, the court may dismiss the case after a set period. Our firm frequently advocates for these options, especially in cases where clients demonstrate accountability or seek treatment.
Preparing a Full Criminal Trial Defense
When prosecutors refuse to negotiate or drop charges, we prepare your case for trial in Cascade County District Court. This includes filing evidentiary motions, conducting jury selection, cross-examining law enforcement, and presenting expert testimony.
Trial Strategies Used by Stevenson Law Office
Depending on the facts, we may argue:
- Lack of intent to harm anyone
- Misidentification or mistaken identity
- Unlawful search and seizure of the weapon or vehicle
- Reasonable fear or duress during the encounter
We simplify complex forensic topics for juries and highlight inconsistencies in law enforcement testimony. The goal is always the same: create reasonable doubt and secure a verdict in your favor. The Montana Supreme Court’s Opinions page shows how even high-level felony cases can be won through strong legal advocacy and sound trial tactics.
Arrested in a Great Falls Theft Case? Contact Stevenson Law Office Today
If you or a loved one has been arrested following a theft, firearm incident, or police confrontation in Great Falls, you need immediate legal representation. Prosecutors will not hesitate to pursue the harshest penalties possible, especially in cases involving stolen vehicles and weapons. But no matter how serious the charges, you still have rights, and Stevenson Law Office is here to defend them.
Our legal team brings years of experience handling complex felony cases throughout Cascade County and across Montana. We know how to challenge unconstitutional arrests, suppress illegally obtained evidence, and fight for dismissals, reduced charges, or acquittals at trial. Whether you’re facing a local court appearance or a federal indictment, we are ready to stand between you and the government’s case.
Do not wait. Every moment counts after an arrest. Evidence may disappear, witnesses may move, and prosecutors may try to pressure you into waiving important rights. Let us help you take back control of your future.
Call (406) 642-0207 now or contact us through our website to schedule your confidential consultation. Stevenson Law Office is ready to fight for you.
