Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
We're working to fix a technical issue causing problems with our broadcasts. We'll have it resolved as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Investigation Into Missoula ‘Officer-Involved’ Shooting Finds Evidence Victim Died By Suicide

Missoula Police Department vehicle.
Cheri Trusler
Missoula police car.

A preliminary investigation into last week’s “officer-involved shooting” in Missoula finds the victim took his own life and was not killed by police gunfire.

That update was provided Monday afternoon by Bryan Lockerby, Administrator of the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation. DCI is leading the investigation into the incident.

“From our initial assessment, which is corroborated by dash cam video, Brendon Galbreath died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound that night,” Lockerby says.

Missoula police say the 21-year-old Galbreath was suspected of driving under the influence last week when an officer pulled him over, but Galbreath took off, leading to a high-speed chase.

It ended near the intersection of Stephens Avenue and Beckwith Street.

Lockerby describes a near-simultaneous chain of events that led the officer to draw his service weapon and fire.

“The driver’s gun discharged in the car. At the same time, the officer perceived that he was being shot at and returned fire with one shot.”

Lockerby says the round fired by the police officer did not hit Galbreath, but did strike his car. That bullet was recovered at the scene.

Lockerby says the findings are only preliminary and the investigation is far from complete.

Edward O’Brien first landed at Montana Public Radio three decades ago as a news intern while attending the UM School of Journalism. He covers a wide range of stories from around the state.<br/>edward.obrien@umt.edu.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br/>(406) 243-4065
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information
Related Content