Three Great Falls police officers and three firefighters were injured in three separate incidents overnight, according to the Great Falls Police Department.
The most serious incident happened while officers were responding to a domestic disturbance on the east side of Great Falls, when three firefighters and one police officer were hit by a vehicle.
All four are being treated at Benefis Health System for serious injuries, the GFPD said in a news release. At this point, we do not know who was driving the vehicle, nor whether anyone has been arrested or cited for the incident. As of 9:30 a.m., the scene had been cleared; all that remains is loose yellow police tape attached to several trees and homes.
According to the Montana Highway Patrol, this incident happened at the Highwoods Mobile Home Trailer Park just off of 38th Street North at about 4:45 a.m.
Two officers sustained injuries in other incidents. While arresting a "combative suspect" at a party, where minors were drinking alcohol, an officer sustained injuries to the arms, ribs, and a knee. The officer received medical treatment and was released. The third injury happened when an officer fell down while chasing a DUI suspect after a traffic stop. The officer sustained minor injuries. We have also received several credible reports that a car crashed into a sign pole and possibly hit a garage or house in the Riverview neighborhood near CMR High School overnight; we do not yet know if this incident is related to either of these incidents.
The GFPD says they are not releasing the names of any of the officers and firefighter at this point, but may provide more details later. We will update you as we get more information.
UPDATE: Officer and firefighters recovering after being hit by a vehicle in Great Falls