On July 31, 2022, at approximately 7:50 pm, the Bozeman Police Department responded to Walmart at 1500 N. 7th Avenue, for the report of a shooting that occurred inside the store.  Upon arrival, officers treated the incident as an active shooter in progress due to the limited information known at the time, and immediately entered the building through a chaotic scene.  Officers located an adult male with an obvious gunshot wound and performed lifesaving measures on him along with members of American Medical Response (AMR) and the Bozeman Fire Department.  The male was transported by AMR to Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital where he is currently being treated. He is expected to recover from his wounds.

 
While searching Walmart, officers located an adult male who identified himself as the shooter. This individual was initially detained, and is currently cooperating with investigators. The shooter was lawfully in possession of a handgun that is believed to be the only firearm used during this incident.  Our initial investigation suggests this was not a random act as the incident relates to a brief confrontation outside of Wal-Mart shortly before the shooting occurred. Our investigation team continues to gather evidence and identify witnesses, and further questions are being answered to determine whether charges will be forthcoming. We are not currently searching for any suspects or persons of interest and there are no further public safety risks associated with this incident.

The Bozeman Police Department would like to thank the members of the Montana Highway Patrol, the Belgrade Police Department, and especially the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office for their prompt response and assistance in this matter.  We would also like to thank American Medical Response, the Bozeman Fire Department and Gallatin County 911.

Persons with information that could help solve this crime may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward. If you, or someone you know, has information regarding this incident please contact the Bozeman Police Department Detective Division at 406-582-2010.

Walmart shooting investigation ongoing

Following the shooting at Walmart on July 31^st, the Bozeman Police Department, in conjunction with several other law enforcement agencies, has been actively conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.  As previously released, the Bozeman Police detained an individual who was identified as the shooter in the incident.  That individual and others have been cooperating with the investigation.  The shooter was later released pending further investigation.

Following these events the crime scene was processed and Bozeman Police Department detectives have interviewed numerous individuals, and obtained a statement from the individual who was shot. The investigation is ongoing, but the Bozeman Police Department does not believe there is further risk to the community.

The Bozeman Police Department understands that high visibility incidents such as this can cause a lot of interest in the circumstances of the case and how the situation is being handled.  We ask the public to understand that protecting the integrity of an investigation, along with Montana’s confidential criminal justice information laws, often mean we cannot comment on specific aspects of the case.  We take the safety of the public very seriously and have worked continuously to conduct a legally sound investigation that appropriately protects the rights of everyone involved. 

We would like to again thank everyone for their continual support in this incident and for the great investigative support offered to us by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, the Belgrade Police Department, and Walmart.