Woman injured in deputy-involved shooting in Libby

A Libby woman was shot and wounded by a law enforcement officer last weekend at a residence just south of Libby, authorities say.

According to a news release from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, dispatch received a call at about 4:04 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, about loud music on Timber Lane.

Deputies responded to the area and located the source of the loud music. They then attempted to contact the resident, who wasn’t identified by law enforcement, by knocking and identifying themselves. 

According to Sheriff Darren Short, the woman opened the door and immediately closed it. The deputies then observed the woman pointing a rifle out of an open window in the direction of a neighbor’s house. The deputies continued to give commands to drop the rifle and come to the door.

The woman left the open window and opened the front door, still armed with the rifle. The female allegedly pointed the rifle toward the deputies when one deputy discharged his duty weapon, striking the suspect, which caused her to drop the rifle. 

Emergency medical care was given to the female, and she was transported by the deputies to Cabinet Peaks Medical Center and subsequently flown to Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’ Alene for treatment.

The investigation into this incident is being conducted by the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office. The deputy, who was also not identified, has been placed on administrative leave pending the completion of the investigation.