MISSOULA – Authorities have released the name of a 36-year-old Hamilton man who was killed in a weekend shootout with police.
Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman, who was the coroner in the case, says Raymond Thane Davis died from a single gunshot wound in Hamilton early Saturday.
Hamilton Police Chief Ryan Oster says officers responded to a report of criminal mischief involving Davis but determined there was not grounds for a citation. The officers said the man appeared to be intoxicated and told him not to drive.
Less than an hour later, Hamilton police officer Ross Jessop stopped Davis for a traffic violation on U.S. Highway 93, where authorities say Davis fired on the officer. Jessop fired back, and Davis sped off before he crashed into a building.
Davis’ criminal record includes a felony conviction for assault on a police officer.