1 dead, 1 in custody after Missoula shooting, standoff

MISSOULA, Mont. — UPDATE, 7:20 a.m.:

Missoula Police Department reports a 56-year-old man has died after a shooting Monday night.

Officers responded to the report of a male being shot in the1700 block of South 8th St. West at around 7:30 p.m. Monday.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to a press release, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) were activated as the suspect35-year-old suspect, John "Joan" Eikens, returned to her residence with the firearm and barricaded herself inside.

Chemical agents and flash sound distraction devices were used to take Eikens into custody after 11 p.m.

Original report:

Officers have one suspect in custody, and say there is no threat to the public after a shots fired call in Missoula on Monday night.

Sergeant Griffith with the Missoula Police Department says there was a large police presence in the area of 8th and Catlin and Garfield streets.

The situation is still ongoing at a home on the 1700 block of South 8th West, as a few officers are still on the scene investigating, but most have left.

Police responded around 7:45 p.m., and then arrested a suspect about four hours later.

Full release:

Just after 7:30 PM on June 3, 2024, officers from the Missoula Police Department were dispatched to the 1700 block of South 8th St. West following reports of a male being shot. Upon arrival, first responding patrol officers attempted life-saving measures. Unfortunately, the 56-year-old male was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Missoula Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.

Witnesses reported that the 35-year-old suspect, John "Joan" Eikens, returned to her residence with the firearm and barricaded herself inside. In response to this situation, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) were activated. Detectives also responded to the location for further investigation into the originating incident.

CNT made numerous attempts to establish contact with the homicide suspect over several hours, utilizing verbal communication and messaging, but these efforts were unsuccessful.

Subsequently, SWAT employed various procedures and operations to apprehend the suspect, including the use of less-than-lethal methods, including chemical agent and flash sound distraction devices.

Shortly after 11:00 PM, SWAT successfully took the Eikens into custody without further incident.

We want to assure the community that this was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety.