On 4/22/22 at approximately 4:00 pm a Fish, Wildlife and Parks Warden attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a reckless vehicle traveling north on Highway 191. The vehicle came to a stop near the Castle Inn, where the sole male occupant and driver fled on foot. The vehicle was later discovered to be stolen. Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Fish Wildlife and Parks and Montana Highway Patrol have saturated the area with K9 teams deployed to aid in locating the male. The Sheriff’s Office has issued telephone notifications at 1745 hrs to residents in the area, encouraging occupants to lock their doors, windows, outside structures and remain inside. Anyone who observes a suspicious person in the area is encouraged to call 911 and avoid contact with the person. The search is an on-going matter, the Sheriff’s Office will update the public as the search develops and thanks the public for its vigilance and support.

Current guidance to the public: The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging continued vigilance by everyone in the area, keep all property and vehicles locked up, limit travel in the area, call 911 if you see anything suspicious. Do not pick up anyone hitchhiking in the area. The male is a Caucasian male approximately six feet tall, was last seen wearing tan pants and a tan shirt. He was last seen south of the Storm Castle Bridge.

UPDATE 23 APRIL 2022 – 0900 HOURS:

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office continued their assistance of Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) in searching the Highway 191 Canyon throughout the night.  The suspect fled from FWP Officers who were attempting to conduct a traffic stop on a reckless driver at approximately 4:00 pm yesterday evening at which time the Sheriff’s Office began their assistance.

The last known area of the subject was Karst Stage Loop.  Sheriff’s deputies will continue their assistance searching the canyon throughout today though it is possible he was given a ride out of the area.  The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have information that may aid in identifying the suspect to call 406-582-2100.  A member of the public has likely heard from this individual or seen him and we are asking for your assistance.  The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to encourage canyon residents to be vigilant about locking their homes and vehicles so as not to prevent the theft of their property.  FWP nor the Sheriff’s Office have additional information about the suspect’s history or motives beyond finding a vehicle with keys in it that he stole.

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:

The suspect is described as Caucasian, approximately 6 feet tall, with reddish facial hair and a slight to medium build.  If the suspect is still in the area, he is likely very cold, and hungry and is seeking shelter and assistance.

*****Update as of 5pm on 4/23/2022****

Throughout the last 24 hours the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office along with Montana Highway Patrol and Fish, Wildlife and Parks have continued to search the area of Karst Stage Loop and throughout the Big Sky region. With the information gained throughout the investigation as well as information gathered from citizens, the involved person appears to no longer be in the area. The presence of law enforcement will remain in the area as the investigation will continue and leads follow up on.

The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging continued vigilance by everyone in the area, keep all property and vehicles locked, do not pick up hitchhikers and call 911 if you see anything suspicious.  The male is a Caucasian male approximately six feet tall, was last seen wearing tan pants and a tan shirt.  The case is an on-going matter jointly worked by Fish Wildlife and Park and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Dan Springer thanks the public for its vigilance, support and numerous calls providing information. Please call 406-582-2100 if you have any additional information regarding this matter.