Gillette Police Officers Cleared In Fatal January 2022 Shooting

Two Gillette police officers have been cleared to return to duty after being involved in the fatal shooting of a man who charged at them with a weapon.

A review by Park County and Prosecuting Attorney Bryan Skoric found that a January shooting by Gillette Police officers was justified and criminal charges are not warranted in the situation.

According to the Gillette Police Department, in mid-January 2022, the Department received a call from a citizen in the 500 block of Church Avenue, who was requesting assistance in removing the man from their home.

The caller said the man made threats of violence to those in the home and refused to leave.

When officers arrived they made contact with Ismael Montes, who was armed with a large machete-styled knife.

Officers told Montes to drop the weapon a number of times, and used two forms of less lethal options on him, before Montes retreated further into the house.

At some point Montes charged at officers and was swinging the weapon at them.

Both officers discharged their duty weapons, striking Montes in the process.

Lifesaving measures were used, but Montes was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS.

One officer was treated for minor injuries.

The review states that the officers reasonably believed that they were in immediate danger and were thereby justified in using deadly force.

Click here to see a copy of the review.