Suspect sought after Friday morning manhunt

A suspect wanted on a felony probation violation resulted a manhunt in Columbia Falls early Friday morning.

The man, identified as Donald Church, was stopped by police in Columbia Falls and fled his vehicle shortly before 11 p.m. He was then spotted in the Mosquito Flats neighborhood near the Flathead River, Rivers Edge Park and near the Highline Apartments by witnesses.

Church is in his 30s, had blue jeans on, a dark hoodie and a backpack.

Two Bear Air searched the neighborhoods along the river as well as River’s Edge Park with a spotlight and thermal imaging cameras looking for Church until about 2 a.m.

Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino said they were unable to locate Church, as they had to pull resources off the chase due to another incident of an armed person shooting at law enforcement in Missoula County.

Anyone with tips can send them to tips@flathead.mt.gov