(UPDATE, DECEMBER 1) The man who shot the customer outside the Montana Club was not affiliated with law enforcement, contrary to initial reports, Billings Police Lt. Matt Lennick said Thursday.
Lennick said in an email to MTN News that a retired Wyoming law enforcement officer was initially identified as the shooter by callers and bystanders.
While the retired officer was at the scene, police determined another customer - who was not involved with law enforcement - fired the bullet that struck the 35-year-old customer the in chest, according to Lennick.
No one has been arrested. Lennick did not identify any of the involved parties. We will update you if we get more information.
(UPDATE, 7:35 p.m., NOVEMBER 30) An unruly customer was shot by a retired Wyoming law enforcement officer on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, outside the Montana Club after he waved a gun at him in the parking lot, according to Billings police.
Lt. Bret Becker told MTN News that the 35-year-old man was arguing with staff at the restaurant around 5:40 p.m. at 1791 Majestic Lane when he was escorted out by the retired officer, who was also eating there.
In the parking lot, the patron reached into his vehicle and grabbed a gun, Becker said. The retired officer pulled out his concealed weapon, and a "scuffle" ensued, according to Becker.
The retired officer shot the man in the chest, and he was taken to a Billings hospital. The condition of the man has not been released at this point.
No arrests have been made, and Becker said the retired officer is cooperating with the investigation.
The Montana Club did not close during the incident.
(UPDATE 7:20 p.m., NOVEMBER 30) The man who shot the customer told authorities at the scene that he was a retired law enforcement officer from Wyoming, Lt. Bret Becker said.
He does not work for Billings police nor is he from the area, Becker said.
The man was not arrested but is working with police, Becker said.
(1st REPORT, NOVEMBER 30) Billings police are investigating a shooting outside the Montana Club restaurant in Billings Wednesday night.
A 35-year-old customer was reportedly arguing with staff at the restaurant at 1791 Majestic Lane and was escorted outside at around 5:40 p.m., police.
The customer was armed and approached outside by another person with a gun, Sgt. Bret Becker told MTN News at the scene.
The customer was shot in the chest and taken to a hospital, Becker said.
Several law enforcement vehicles from the Billings Police Department, the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office, and emergency ambulance personnel responded to the scene.
We will update you as we get more information.
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83605, Shooting. At 1736 hours BPD, YCSO and EMS responded to a shooting outside of the the MT Club at 1791 Majestic Ln. A 35 year old unruly patron was arguing with customers and after being escorted outside and a shooting between that male and another citizen ensued. -LT Becker
— BillingsPD (@BillingsPD) December 1, 2022
