Shots fired in pursuit; 2 arrested

Two women were arrested Wednesday after an alleged high-speed chase and shooting on U.S. 93 that spanned from Missoula to Lake County.

A passenger of the fleeing vehicle reportedly brandished a pistol and shot at pursuing officers before surrendering north of St. Ignatius.

According to a press release from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Missoula officers attempted to stop a black Ford Taurus for reckless driving in a residential neighborhood at around noon on Wednesday. The vehicle fled, reportedly reaching speeds of up to 90 mph while traveling north on U.S. 93.

Missoula officers requested assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Flathead Tribal Police Department, but reportedly decided to terminate the pursuit in the Arlee area prior to stop-stick attempts.

Shortly thereafter, a tribal officer reported seeing the Taurus passing in a no-passing zone near North Valley Creek and started following the vehicle northbound on U.S. 93.

The pursuit then turned east off of the highway onto gravel side roads just north of St. Ignatius.

The vehicle’s passenger allegedly pulled out a pistol and fired at pursuing officers while traveling east on Eagle Pass Trail, the press release states. The vehicle then stopped and law enforcement reportedly fired shots at the suspects before they surrendered.

The two women were reportedly taken into custody and transported to the Lake County jail.

The names of the suspects were not released as of Wednesday afternoon.

Flathead County Sheriff’s Detectives were called to help investigate the incident.