BPD Officers in Shooting Identified

The man who was killed by four Billings Police officers on Friday reportedly fired a shot at the officers before they returned fire and he died.  Billings Police Chief Rich St. John said the Department’s investigation showed the man fired “at least one shot” at officers before they retaliated.  The officers involved were Sargent Clyde Reid, a 19 year veteran of the force, Officer Steve Swanson, a 20 year veteran, Officer Phillip Tanis, a two year veteran and Officer Michael Freeman, who is in his second year with the BPD.

Chief St. John said a coroner's inquest found the officers involved were justified in the use of deadly force.  KTVQ.com reports that the suspects girlfriend called police to report that he was suicidal.  When officers located the as-yet-unidentified man, he was on the Rims, and was armed with a gun.