UPDATE: 10:00 p.m. - May 26, 2021 - A woman was taken to the hospital for gunshot wounds after an hours-long standoff with law enforcement in Columbia Falls on Wednesday.
According to Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino, the situation started around 9 a.m. when authorities received reports of gunshots coming from the woman's house on Dawn Drive.
When officers arrived on scene, Heino said the woman came outside with a gun, before going back into the residence.
Officers tried to talk to the woman, but tactical units were eventually dispatched, according to Heino.
Later Wednesday afternoon, Heino said the woman came out of the house again and pointed a firearm at officers. He added there was an exchange of gunfire before she again returned to the residence.
Officials then deployed gas and used a camera inside the home before a unit was sent in to bring the woman out.
She was taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds. No details regarding her name, condition, or any charges have been released.
No officers were injured during the incident.
Heino told MTN News more information will be released on Thursday.
UPDATE: 4:36 p.m. - May 26, 2021
COLUMBIA FALLS - Law enforcement is currently involved in a standoff with a person in the Columbia Falls area.
Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino has confirmed with MTN News that a woman is barricaded in a trailer on Dawn Drive in Columbia Falls.
He said law enforcement were called to the residence at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning after neighbors reported hearing gunshots.
Sheriff Heino said multiple law enforcement agencies are on scene including Missoula SWAT with negotiations ongoing.
According to Sheriff Heino, the woman has fired shots from inside the trailer, but no one is injured at this time.
People are being asked to avoid the area of Dawn Drive.
(first report: 12:09 p.m. - May 26, 2021)
Law enforcement is involved in a standoff with a person in the Columbia Falls area.
Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino has confirmed with MTN News that a person is barricaded at the scene and there are initial reports of shots being fired.
People should avoid the area of Dawn Drive at this time.
Initial reports indicate the SWAT team has been called to the area.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
