Flathead Co. investigates shooting in Libby

A Libby woman was shot and injured by a police officer in a residence south of Libby last weekend.

According to a press release from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, dispatch received a call at approximately 4:04 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, regarding loud music on Timber Lane.

Officers arrived on scene and located the source of the loud music. They then attempted to contact the resident, whose identity was unknown to authorities, by knocking on the door and identifying themselves.

According to Sheriff Darren Short, the woman opened the door and immediately closed it again. Officers then observed the woman pointing a rifle out an open window toward a neighboring house. Officers repeatedly gave commands to drop the rifle and come to the door.

The woman left the open window and opened the front door, still armed with the rifle. The woman pointed the rifle at the officers when one of the officers fired his service weapon, striking the suspect, causing her to drop the rifle.

The woman received emergency medical treatment and was transported by officers to Cabinet Peaks Medical Center and then flown to Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d'Alene for further treatment. She was then released.

The Flathead County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation into this incident. The deputy, whose identity is also unknown, has been placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Short told The Western News that once the investigation is complete, the information will be passed on to prosecutors to decide whether to file charges.