UPDATE: 7:20 p.m. - Dec. 8, 2020
Missoula authorities are searching for a 33-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting Tuesday afternoon along East Broadway in Missoula.
The Missoula Police Department was called to the area of Creekside Apartments, which is located between Missoula College and East Missoula, for a report of gunshots, around 3:40 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers found a man deceased in the parking lot with a gunshot wound to the head, according to the Missoula Police Department.
Witnesses identified 33-year-old Christopher Newrider as a suspect. MPD reported Newrider fled the scene on foot before police arrived. The search for him continues as of 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Newrider is a white man, around 6' tall, and was last seen wearing a black 'watch-cap,' black hoodie, and black shoes. He has brown hair and green eyes and currently has dark facial hair.
He is believed to be armed with a handgun and dangerous, according to MPD.
Due to the cold temperatures, authorities think Newrider may be in search of warmth in a vehicle or structure and advise those who live on the north side of the Clark Fork River to secure vehicle and lock doors.
If you see Newrider, you're asked to call 911 immediately and to not approach him.
The MPD has not identified the shooting victim. We will update you with any new information.
UPDATE: 5:10 p.m. - Dec. 8, 2020
MISSOULA - One person is dead and the search continues for a person of interest following a fatal Tuesday afternoon shooting in Missoula.
Law enforcement is continuing to search in the area of the Creekside Apartments where crime scene tape has been set up.
Authorities have been searching in the area of a trail along the Clark Fork River.
Missoula Police Department spokesman Sgt. Travis Welsh says law enforcement is continuing to search for a person of interest in connection with the death.
The University of Montana Police Department is asking that people stay away from the Kim Williams trail.
UMPD is currently assisting Missoula PD in a search for a person of interest in a shooting that occurred in the 1000 block of East Broadway near Missoula College, a social media post states.
The person being sought is described as a white male adult in his 30s, approximately 6 foot tall, 198 pounds with shoulder-length dark hair and a goatee.
The person of interest was last seen wearing a dark jacket, jeans and dark shoes, according to UMPD.
- information from Connor McCauley and Mark Thorsell included in this report.
(first report: 4:12 p.m. - Dec. 8, 2020)
There is currently a significant police presence east of downtown Missoula.
An alert sent out by the University of Montana Police Department states that people are being asked to avoid an area near the Creekside Apartments.
The alert states the Missoula Police Department is asking the public to avoid an area along the Clark Fork River near the apartments.
Crime tape can be seen in the parking lot of the apartment complex. Numerous law enforcement units remain on the scene including the Missoula Police Department, the Missoula County Sheriff's Office, and the Montana Highway Patrol.
A shooting has been reported in the area according to the UMPD alert.
The Creekside Apartments are located in the 1400 block of East Broadway.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
