Montana deputy killed responding to disturbance; suspect flees with 7-year-old girl

A Montana sheriff’s deputy was killed Friday while responding to a disturbance, where a suspect also allegedly fled with a 7-year-old girl, authorities said.

Montana deputy killed responding to disturbance

Big picture view:

Lincoln County Sheriff Darren Short said Deputy Ryan Terpsma, 28, responded to the call in Eureka with a Eureka police officer. 

Terpsma was shot and killed at the scene, while the officer was also wounded but suffered injuries that were not life-threatening.

Dig deeper:

The suspect was identified as 50-year-old Matthew David Dye. Authorities said he fled toward Kalispell with the child before Flathead County sheriff’s deputies located and pursued him.

During the pursuit, Dye allegedly fired at deputies, disabling two patrol vehicles, Short said in a press release. A roadblock was later set up on Highway 93, where Dye stopped and surrendered.

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Investigators also determined that Merrisa Walker, 46, was shot and killed at the original scene. A juvenile girl was injured, treated at the scene and released. Authorities did not say whether Dye knew Walker or the injured girl.

‘Our hearts are broken,’ sheriff’s office says

What they're saying:

"It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we mourn the tragic loss of one of our own, a Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy who was killed in the line of duty last night," Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. "Our hearts are broken. Please keep our fallen deputy's family, friends, and our entire law enforcement family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time." 

What's next:

The suspect is expected to face charges and have an initial hearing in Lincoln County Justice Court sometime next week.

The Source: The information for this story was provided by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. This story was reported from Los Angeles.