Man killed, officer injured in downtown Helena Saturday evening

HELENA – A man was killed and an officer is recovering from a stabbing after a late-night incident in downtown Helena Saturday.

According to a Helena Police Department report, officers were dispatched to Jester’s Bar at 200 North Rodney for a report of a person refusing to leave and barricaded in the bathroom.

Officers say the man brandished a knife when they tried to talk to him, which led to an officer using his Taser to arrest the man.

The man then allegedly stabbed one of the officers and the officers shot him.

According to the report, officers provided medical aid to the man, but he succumbed to injuries after being shot and was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel. The injured office was transported to St. Peter’s Health for treatment and is stable.

The identities of the deceased and the officers involved have not been released.

Per department protocol, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave. The Lewis and Clark Sheriff’s Office is conducting an independent investigation into the incident to ensure transparency.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved and affected by this tragic incident. This incident impacts our entire community and we want to make sure we are thinking of everyone during this time,” said Chief Brett Petty.