At traffic stop, man apparently shoots himself

A man died Monday evening of apparent self-inflicted gunshot injuries following a traffic stop by the Montana Highway Patrol in the area of Montana 35 and Turtle Mountain Road near Creston.

During a traffic stop at 7 p.m. the Highway Patrol trooper identified the driver had a weapon, according to a press release from the Montana Department of Justice Highway Patrol Division. During the incident, the driver discharged a firearm and sustained injuries to the head.

Responding law enforcement, medical personnel and ALERT helicopter responded and transported the subject to Kalispell Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.

The investigation thus far has indicated a Taser was deployed by the trooper, but the trooper did not fire his service weapon, according to the press release.

Release of the driver’s name is pending notification of family.

The Flathead County Sheriff’s

Office Detective division is handling the officer involved incident investigation. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.