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Standoff with police ends with suspect arrested in Great Falls

Standoff with police ends with suspect arrested in Great Falls
Duane Mitchell Azure, Jr. arrested in Great Falls
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(UPDATE, JULY 3) Suspect identified and charged - click here



(UPDATE, 3:55 p.m.) The man who was taken into custody was the only person police were trying to apprehend.

He was arrested on a charge of assault with a weapon; the GFPD said that he may face additional charges.

Captain John Schaffer of the GFPD said, "Patrol Services responded to two different calls at a residence in the area of 27th Street and Sixth Avenue, South. Both disturbance calls. The second call wound up being a disturbance involving weapons. One of the persons that was involved in the disturbance was uncooperative and fled, and was believed armed at the time, which which prompted the response that you're seeing behind me."

Duane Mitchell Azure, Jr. arrested in Great Falls
Duane Mitchell Azure, Jr. arrested in Great Falls (June 30, 2023)

The hours-long standoff ended peacefully - no officers, the suspect, or neighbors were injured.

The name of the suspect has not yet been released, nor have any details about what led to the stand-off.

We expect to get more information when court documents are filed next week.



(UPDATE, 3:05 pm) One man has been arrested. His name has not been released at this point.

Suspect arrested in Great Falls (June 30, 2023)

No word yet on whether anyone else is inside the house.

We will update you as we get more information.



(UPDATE, 2:45 p.m.) Officers are still trying to make contact with a person inside the house at 523 27th Street South to make an arrest.

Police are issuing commands over a microphone in an attempt to get the suspect to surrender.

Several noise distraction devices ("flashbangs") have been deployed.

Officers ask that people stay inside or avoid the area.



(UPDATE, 2:11 pm) Several officers have their weapons drawn, and it appears that a person is barricaded inside a house. The GFPD High-Risk Unit vehicle is now at the scene. Flash-bangs have been heard.



(1st REPORT) Police officers are at the scene of what is being called a "potentially volatile incident" in the 2600 block of Sixth Avenue South.

The Great Falls Police Department says:

  • Residents in the area should see a large police presence
  • Residents close to 6th Ave S and 27th St, please stay inside, unless directed otherwise by an officer at the scene
  • Drivers, expect roads to be blocked
  • We will update this post as information is available
  • Thanks for your patience as officers work for a peaceful resolution

No other information has been released at this point.

We have a reporter at the scene and will update you as we get more details.


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Police: 'potentially volatile incident' in Great Falls