Great Falls Police Share Update on Morning Stand-Off, Suspect’s Charges Announced

Earlier today, I shared a story with you about an incident taking place near 44th St. S and Central. At the time, it was announced police had a suspect in custody.

Now, police have released more details surrounding this morning's incident.

Great Falls Police Respond to Threat Reports

According to their statement released this afternoon (4/27), police said they received a report around 2:45 AM (4/27) that someone was "threatening a group of people" with a gun at an apartment "in the unit block of 44th St. S."

"The complainant said they were inside an apartment with their friends when a dispute occurred and a male pointed a gun at them," Great Falls PD said in their statement.

"Officers identified the suspect as 22-year-old Ethan Hathaway."

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When officers arrived, they reportedly asked Hathaway to exit the apartment several times to which they received no response.

Then the Central Montana High Risk Unit (HRU) got called into action.

"Members of the HRU, consisting of Great Falls MT Police Department officers and Cascade County Sheriff/Coroner's Office deputies, convinced Hathaway to exit the residence but, he did not comply with their orders to effect a peaceful arrest," Great Falls police said.

"The suspect was eventually taken into custody after less lethal munitions were used to gain compliance."

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That's one way of putting it, am I right?

Police said that Hathaway was taken to the CCSO Adult Detention center and charged with "2 counts of Assault with Weapon (F), 2 counts of Obstructing a Peace Officer Or Other Public Servant (M), and 1 count of Social Host (M)."

Additional Suspects Face Charges

Man, you would think that's the end of the story, but officers only uncovered more illegal activity going on amongst "a group of individuals" who were inside the apartment throughout the whole ordeal. Officers even tried giving them a chance to walk away!

"Officers cited an intoxicated 17-year-old male for Possessing Intoxicating Substances While Under the Age Of 21 (Under Age 18) (M)," Great Falls police said, "The juvenile male was released with a stern warning not to return to the scene."

And what do you think he did?!

"Shortly after departing, the male returned to the incident and was arrested."

Doh!

"He was transported to Benefis Health System for a medical evaluation, then remanded to the Cascade County Juvenile Detention Center. The juvenile male was further charged with Threats/Improper Influence in Official/Political Matters (M) and Obstructing A Peace Officer or Other Public Servant (M)."

But wait! There's more!

"An 18-year-old female was cited for Possessing Intoxicating Substances While Under the Age Of 21 (Over Age 18) (M), and released from the scene."

Great Falls Police Defuse a Deadly Situation

Police said that "schools in the immediate area were in 'Shelter in Place' status, and several homes, including the other apartments inside the effected building were evacuated."

READ MORE: Great Falls Police Team with Community to Track Down Armed Suspects

Round of applause for police! This situation could have turned out much worse but once again, their quick thinking saved the day.

And even better, it doesn't appear there were any serious injuries.

Just another day on the job for our police.