Man killed in standoff with deputies in northwest Montana

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) - Montana authorities say a man was killed following an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement officers in the northwest part of the state.

The Flathead County sheriff’s office said deputies on Sunday night responded to a report of a disturbance involving a weapon at a residence in the community of Kila. They were shot at when they arrived.

A standoff ensued, and after several hours someone inside the house again shot at officers, Sheriff Brian Heino said. The officers returned fire and a man inside the house was killed.

The deceased was not identified.

Three officers involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.

An inquest by a citizen jury led by a county coroner is required under Montana law whenever someone is killed by law enforcement or dies in custody.