Author: eclark

 

 

June 30, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Plan for a Sober Ride: Increased Patrols Watching for Impaired Driving Over Fourth of July
Law enforcement out in full force for the holiday in Gallatin County

Gallatin County, June 30, 2020 –Fourth of July and the celebration of our country’s independence brings many things to mind – family, friends, food, and fireworks. But all too often, alcohol and driving are added to the mix with tragic results. Law enforcement is increasing patrols on the roads in all areas of Gallatin County, along with the Montana Highway Patrol statewide, around the Fourth of July holiday to remind motorists to drive sober or get pulled over.

Summer is the deadliest time of year for motor vehicle crashes, over the last decade 48% of all fatal crashes and 45% of all serious injury crashes in Montana occurred between June and September – the period of time known nationally as the “100 Deadliest Days.” Historically, the 100 Deadliest Days in Montana has represented 50% of the annual roadway fatalities involving an impaired driver. (2010-2019).

“There is no excuse for driving while impaired. It’s every driver’s responsibility to be sober and take traffic safety seriously – for themselves, their friends and family, and everyone else on the road.”

As law enforcement leaders we encourage everyone to make a responsible plan before the Fourth of July celebrations begin; whether that means having a designated driver, calling a cab, ordering a ride share or offering a sober ride to others if you’re not drinking.

It is illegal to drive in Montana with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of .08 or higher, and the consequences include a DUI charge, having your driver’s license revoked, mandatory classes, possible jail time, and up to $10,000 in fines and legal fees. Unfortunately, in the event of an impaired driving crash, the cost can be serious injury or even death.

This Fourth of July celebrate your freedom by making the right choice. If you choose to drink, plan for a safe, sober ride. Do your part to help Montana reach Vision Zero – zero deaths and zero serious injuries on our roads – by always driving sober, buckling up and calling 911 to report suspected impaired driving.

Sheriff Brian Gootkin – Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office
Chief Dennis Hengel – Manhattan Police Department
Chief Steve Crawford – Bozeman Police Department
Chief E. J. Clark Jr. – Belgrade Police Department
Chief Bill Dove – Bozeman/Yellowstone Airport Police Department
Chief Kevin Gillilan – Montana State University Police Department
Capt. Mark Wilfore – Montana Highway Patrol District 7 Commander

This is a Vision Zero Message from the Montana Department of Transportation. This and other enforcement and educational campaigns are strategies to reach Vision Zero — zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana roadways. For more information about Vision Zero, contact Janet Kenny, Montana Department of Transportation, (406) 444- 7417, jakenny@mt.gov

Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided on request. Persons who need an alternative format should contact the Office of Civil Rights,
Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620. Telephone 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711.

 

                         

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Increased Law Enforcement on Patrol During the Holiday Season
Celebrate Safely – Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
Gallatin County, Dec. 04, 2019 – The holiday season should be filled with family and friends, not fines and fatalities. All of the law enforcement agencies in Gallatin County, along with the Montana Department of Transportation, encourages everyone to drive sober or find a sober ride.
Increased patrols in Gallatin County will begin during the weeks leading up to Christmas and lasting through the new year holiday to keep Montana’s roads free of impaired drivers. In Gallatin County we take a team approach to providing safety for the public we serve. We work together on special events, saturation patrols and education.
Your Gallatin County law enforcement leaders want you to know that “Driving while drunk is deadly and can have serious consequences for everyone involved.” “We in law enforcement are committed to keeping Montanans safe, and that means we have a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving. It’s simple — don’t drink and drive ever.”
Approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the U.S. involve drunk drivers1 and Montana’s numbers are not good compared with other states. Montana has one of the highest rates in the nation for alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2018, with over 40% of the traffic fatalities attributed to alcohol-impaired driving.

Consequences of drunk driving include a DUI on your record, a revoked driver’s license, mandatory classes, possible jail time, probation, and up to $10,000 in fines.
Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app, Uber, or Lyft prior to leaving home so you are prepared. Designate a sober driver. Ask someone to call you a ride. If you drive impaired, you will be pulled over.

Report suspected impaired drivers by dialing 911, and always wear your seat belt, as it continues to be the best defense against impaired drivers.

Have a safe and memorable Holiday Season.

Chief Steve Crawford – Bozeman Police Dept.
Chief Dennis Hengel – Manhattan Police Dept.
Chief E. J. Clark Jr. – Belgrade Police Dept.
Chief Frank Parrish – Montana State University Police Dept.
Sheriff Brian Gootkin – Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office
Chief Scott Newell – West Yellowstone Police Dept.
Chief Bill Dove – Bozeman – Yellowstone Airport Police Dept.
Captain Mark Wilfore – Montana Highway Patrol

This is a Vision Zero message from the Montana Department of Transportation. This and other enforcement and educational campaigns are strategies to reach Vision Zero – zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana roadways. For more information about Vision Zero, contact Janet Kenny, Montana Department of Transportation, 406-444-7417             or jkenny@mt.gov.
1 https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/#/PublicationList/8

Update: May 30, 2019

                         BELGRADE POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATE

On May 29, 2019 at 10:36 p.m. the Belgrade Police Department received a report of a missing 81 year old male with Dementia and other medical issues. At that time a search was initiated for the missing male. The male was located in the local area at 12:09 a.m. on May 30, 2019 in good condition. The male was checked for any medical issues and reunited with family members.

 

Thank you to all those who responded to the phone advisory of this incident through the Community Notification System and Social Media notifications. The assistance from the public by checking their property and keeping a close eye around their neighborhood is a valuable tool for responders in these situations. Several tips from citizens greatly assisted emergency responders in their efforts to locate this  man and provide a positive outcome for all involved.

The Belgrade Police Department received needed assistance from the Gallatin County Sheriffs Office, Gallatin County Search and Rescue, Bozeman/Yellowstone International Airport Public Safety, Ham Radio, Central Valley Fire Department, Gallatin County 911 and the Gallatin County Emergency Management.

This team effort resulted in a positive ending.

We would like to take this time to remind citizens about the Community Notification System.  On the Gallatin County Emergency Management                                         web site: www.readygallatin.com you can sign up to receive emergency messages from the Management team about on going urgent situations or assistance needed by emergency responders, as in this incident. A full explanation of the system is on the web site. Just follow the instructions on the site to be included in future notifications.

Thank you,

Belgrade Police Department

 

               

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Gallatin County Law Enforcement Executives

Click It or Ticket kicks off summer Law Enforcement in Full Force

Gallatin County, May 01, 2019 – The beginning of the summer travel season is upon us with Memorial Day right around the corner. Your Gallatin County law enforcement is partnering with the Montana Highway Patrol and increasing patrols from May 20 to     June 2 as part of the national Click It or Ticket campaign to educate the public on proper seat belt use and crack down on motorists who fail to buckle up.

In Montana, the summer months mark the deadliest time of the year, with 45 percent of all fatal crashes happening between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Almost twice as many fatal crashes take place during the summer than other times of the year. In 2017, of the people who died in vehicle crashes, 58 percent were unrestrained and nearly 65 percent of these people were ejected from the vehicle. Many of these fatalities could have been prevented by wearing a seat belt.

In Gallatin County, Law Enforcement agencies are working together to keep the streets and highways safe for everyone. We believe that “There is no excuse for not wearing a seat belt. Just as we want to go home to our friends and families at the end of the day, we want all Montanans to make it to their destination safely.” As your Law Enforcement leaders, we would like to stress to everyone that, “We respond to too many crashes where serious, life-changing injuries and deaths are shattering families. It can happen to you. Montana has made progress in reducing fatal crashes over the last five years, but we can do better.”

Driving is not an individual activity. You share the road with other motorists and must take precautions for your safety and the safety of your passengers. It is every driver’s responsibility. As you are out enjoying your summer travel, whether across town
or across the state, Click It or Ticket!

This is a Vision Zero message from the Montana Department of Transportation. This and other enforcement and educational campaigns are strategies to reach Vision Zero — zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana roadways.                                                                                                                                                                                                           For more information about Vision Zero, contact Janet Kenny, Montana Department of Transportation, (406) 444-7471, or jakenny@mt.gov

Captain Mark Wilfore          Chief Denis Hengel          Chief Frank Parish                     Montana Highway Patrol    Manhattan Police Dept.   MSU Police Dept.

Chief E. J. Clark Jr.                Sheriff Brian Gootkin         Chief Steve Crawford             Belgrade Police Dept.           Gallatin County Sheriff        Bozeman Police Dept.

Chief Scott Newell                         Chief Bill Dove                                                                           West Yellowstone Police Dept.   Bozeman/Yellowstone Public Safety

 

 

 

 

 

On February 11, 2019 at approximately 2:45 p.m. a report of a Domestic Disturbance occurred in the City of Belgrade in the area of 90 North Kennedy between an adult female and an adult male.

The victim female was assaulted inside the business property at 90 North Kennedy and managed to escape outside and was assisted by citizens in the area who observed her seeking help. The suspect male followed the victim from the building. The suspect observed the citizens assisting the victim and returned to 90 North Kennedy. Officers were called at this point.

Officers responded and requested medical treatment for the victim. The victim advised the officers that she had been strangled and threatened with a firearm and advised them of the location. The victim was then  transported to the hospital in Bozeman.

Officers responded to 90 North Hoffman in an attempt to located the suspect.  Upon arrival officers observed the suspect through a window and attempted to make contact. The suspect would not respond to any orders by the officers. A perimeter was established by the Belgrade Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department and the Montana Highway Patrol. The Gallatin County Sheriff/Bozeman Police Department SRT team was requested to assist with containment, negotiations and entry to the building.

Assisting at the scene were the Bozeman Fire Department SRT Medics and Ambulance,  Gallatin County Emergency Management as well as additional Bozeman Police Officers and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Deputies  and the crew of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Command vehicle and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Chaplain.

After several hours and numerous failed attempts to communicate with the suspect, SRT took advantage of an opportunity and deployed less than lethal options on the suspect. The suspect was taken into custody without injury to the suspect or officers at approximately 10:30 p.m.

The suspect was transported to the Gallatin County Detention Center. The suspect will be held on charges of Strangulation and Assault with a Weapon.

The suspect has been identified as David Harold Hixson 56 y.o.a.

The assistance by helpful citizens certainly prevented the continued assault on the victim and we certainly Thank them for their efforts.  The ongoing cooperation by multiple agencies allowed for the safe resolution to this incident.

Chief E. J. Clark Jr – Belgrade Police Department

For Immediate Release

Increased Law Enforcement on Patrol During the Holiday Season

Celebrate Safely– Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, Now through the New Year

Gallatin County, Montana, December 10, 2018 – Increased law enforcement patrols in all areas of Gallatin County will begin during the weeks leading up to Christmas and lasting over the New Year to keep Montana’s roads free of impaired drivers. All of the local law enforcement agencies will be working together to encourage all drivers to drive sober this holiday or find a sober ride.

We want everyone to know: There is zero tolerance for impaired drivers in Gallatin County and Montana.  We would like to ask everyone to “Please, plan ahead, if you plan to drink, have sober transportation already organized for a safe trip home. If you do not plan on drink during the holidays, consider being designated driver to friends and loved ones. Just think of the lives you could save.

More celebrations happen this time of year than any other as families and friends travel to spend time with each other. Nationally, 885 people lost their lives in traffic crashes involving a drunk driver during the month of December 2017. In Montana, one tenth of the year’s impaired driving crashes happen in December. 

Montanans have successfully decreased the number of alcohol-related incidents around the holidays over the last two years. We know that we can reduce that number to zero if everyone does their part.

Consequences of impaired driving include a DUI, having your license revoked, possible jail time, and up to $10,000 in fines.

Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app, Uber, or Lyft prior to leaving home so you are prepared. Designate a sober driver. Ask someone to call you a ride. If you see a suspected impaired driver, report it by calling 911. 

Respectfully wishing everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday Season,

Chief E. J. Clark Jr., Belgrade Police Department                                                           Chief Steve Crawford, Bozeman Police Department                                                       Sheriff Brian Gootkin – Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office                                               Chief Dennis Hengel, Manhattan Police Department                                              Chief Scott Newell, West Yellowstone Police Department                                            Chief Frank Parrish, Montana State University Police Department                         Chief Bill Dove, Bozeman/Yellowstone Airport Public Safety                                     Captain Mark Wilfore, Montana Highway Patrol – District 7 Commander

This is a Vision Zero Message from the Montana Department of Transportation. This and other enforcement and educational campaigns are strategies to reach Vision Zero — zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana roadways. For more information about Vision Zero, contact Janet Kenny, Montana Department of Transportation, (406) 444-7417 or jakenny@mt.gov

---

[1] https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/drunk-driving/drive-sober-or-get-pulled-over/holiday-season

 

 

On April 5, 2018 the Belgrade Police Department responded to the Belgrade High School to a report of a threat written in graffiti on a bathroom stall.

Officers met with school officials and an investigation was initiated. Officers and school officials are working to locate the subject/s responsible for the graffiti. Officers are working all aspects to validate any leads that could determine the level of the threat to students, staff and the community.

We believe the incident to be centered at the Belgrade High School.

The Belgrade School System has schools within the city limits of Belgrade and just outside the city limits in River Rock. The Ridgeview School in River Rock is under the jurisdiction of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s’ Office.

The Belgrade Police Department is actively investigating this incident, while working with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office so both agencies are informed of the facts of this case.

Any and all questions regarding the length of time the schools will be closed, should be referred to the Belgrade School District at 924-2011.

This is a pending criminal case at this time. If and when more information can be released we will issue a statement at that time.

Chief E. J. Clark Jr.  – Belgrade Police Department

Sheriff Brian Gootkin – Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Increased Patrols Out for St. Patrick’s Day
Don’t Test Your Luck – Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

March 16, 2018 – Law Enforcement will be on alert in Gallatin County this St. Patrick’s Day weekend to crack down on impaired driving. The Montana Highway Patrol will also be out statewide patrolling to deter and detect drunk drivers.

In the U.S., one person dies in an alcohol-impaired vehicle crash every 50 minutes. On St. Patrick’s Day – one of the deadliest holidays on our nation’s roads – this rate only increases. During the 2012-2016 St. Patrick’s Day holiday period, 269 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes.  

 Drunk driving isn’t just deadly, in all 50 states, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher. In Montana, if you are pulled over and found to be impaired, you will receive a DUI, get your license revoked, and possibly receive jail time and up to $10,000 in fines. The consequences are more severe for repeat offenders.

Your Law Enforcement is working together and wish to ask, “If you’re planning on drinking this St. Patrick’s Day, plan ahead for sober transportation.” “It’s really that simple. Designating a sober driver can save you time, money, and possibly your life or the life of someone else.”

The high-risk period starts on Thursday and goes through the holiday weekend, and local enforcement agencies will have extra patrols out on the lookout for impaired drivers during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to prevent injuries and fatalities on the roadways.

The public can join in on this effort by ensuring sober transportation for all friends and family members and calling 911 to report any suspected drunk drivers on the road. In all situations, wearing your seat belt continues to be the best defense against impaired driving.

Increased traffic safety patrols are funded by the Montana Department of Transportation. This and other enforcement and educational campaigns are strategies to reach Vision Zero — zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana roadways. For more information about Vision Zero, contact Charity Watt, Montana Department of Transportation, 406-444-3439, cwatt@mt.gov.

We ask that you have a safe and memorable St. Patrick’s Day.

Chief Dennis Hengel, Manhattan Police Dept.

Sheriff Brian Gootkin, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office  

Chief Steve Crawford, Bozeman Police Dept.

Chief E. J. Clark Jr., Belgrade Police Dept.

Capt. Mark Wilfore, Montana Highway Patrol            

Chief Bill Dove, Bozeman/Yellowstone Airport Police                                                  

Chief Frank Parish Jr., Montana State University Police Dept.

 Chief Scott Newell, West Yellowstone Police Dept.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving

https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/drunk-driving/saint-patricks-day

http://www.mdt.mt.gov/visionzero/docs/what-a-dui-will-cost-you-brochure.pdf

All Citizens,

The entire team of officers working this investigation would like to report that an Arrest Warrant was issued this afternoon and served in Bozeman, Montana.

Officers Arrested:

Joseph Paul DeWise, 46 y.o.a. ,  male resident of Bozeman, Montana for Deliberate Homicide in the shooting death of his wife, Lauren DeWise.

DeWise was arrested during a traffic stop at approximately 1530 hrs. without incident and transported to the Gallatin County Detention Center.

Bail Amount has been set at $1,000,000.00.

Please understand that this investigation is still active and more charges are likely in the near future.

More detailed and factual information can be found in the charging documents that have been filed with the Gallatin County Justice Court located at the Law and Justice Center.

Thank you,

Chief E. J. Clark

 

Citizens of Belgrade and the Gallatin Valley,

The Belgrade Police Department responded to a shooting incident on Idaho Street in Belgrade on January 7, 2018 at approximately 9:00 a.m.

Upon arrival officers entered and located two victims. One victim was deceased and one was transported to the hospital for medical treatment and remains hospitalized. No one else was inside the home at that time. After speaking with witnesses officers located and detained a person of interest and that person was interviewed.

Throughout the day and night Investigators and officers from the Belgrade Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Bozeman Police Department, Montana State University Police and members from Federal agencies have worked tirelessly to complete numerous interviews, process the scene and follow up leads developed by their efforts and those reported by citizens.

It became apparent that the person of interest would need to be released without arrest. I understand this fact will upset people and they will not understand the reasons. Everyone must understand that the investigators know the severity of this case and they share the public’s feelings for justice.

We realize that those not familiar with how the Justice system works may not understand this process and become angry and frustrated. We in Law Enforcement hear you and understand your feelings and concerns. We also know that you want us to get it right.  I can tell you that the investigative team is working very hard to obtain justice for these victims and their families.

Without someone in custody several people have raised concerns about the publics’ safety during this time. The investigators and command staffs involved in this case want you to know that the public’s safety is our number one concern.  If we feel there is an urgent public safety risk we will immediately notify you by the quickest means.

During these investigations we cannot give out all the details that everyone wants to know. We sympathize with you and ask for your understanding and patience. Please trust in the officers that we all count on.

Respectfully,

Chief E. J. Clark Jr.