BUTTE — A Butte police officer shot and killed a man who pulled a gun on him as he responded to a domestic disturbance early Thursday, Butte-Silver Bow officials said.
Sheriff Ed Lester identified the shooting victim as Peter Grandpre, 36.
The officer was wearing a body camera. After watching the video, Lester said he believes the officer acted appropriately.
“There is no doubt in my mind the individual was trying to kill the officer,” Lester told The Montana Standard.
Grandpre’s wife called police shortly before 2 a.m. to report her husband had been drinking, they were arguing and he had two handguns and a rifle. Two children, ages 4 and 6, also were in the house.
When officers arrived Grandpre opened the front door, then pulled a .45-caliber handgun on the officer, Lester said.
Lester said he wasn’t sure who fired first, but Grandpre had reached behind his back and pulled out the handgun and was pointing it when shots started going off.
Neighbor Brad Taggart said he was awakened at about 2 a.m. to the sound of a man yelling.
“I heard a guy scream, can’t remember what he said, but it was some guy yelling and then five gunshots. Then, within a minute, we had police here and fire trucks,” Taggart told the newspaper.
The officer, who was not injured, was placed on paid administrative leave. Lester did not release his name. Agents with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation are investigating.