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Columbia Falls Man Dies of Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound in Polebridge

William Craig Pickard reportedly stated he planned to harm himself before law enforcement responded

By Tristan Scott

A 46-year-old Columbia Falls man died July 10 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Polebridge after law enforcement officers attempted to talk to him.

According to Flathead County Undersheriff Dave Leib, William Craig Pickard was in his parked pickup truck in Polebridge when sheriff’s deputies and U.S. Border Patrol officers approached him at approximately 10:30 p.m.

Pickard had left his residence near Columbia Falls earlier in the evening after stating his intent to harm himself, Leib stated in a press release.

As officers tried to talk to Pickard, he stepped out of his truck with a pistol and shot himself, according to Leib.

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident.