The Billings Police
Department is
investigating an unusual
case after a naked man
who stole an off-duty
officer's vehicle and
led authorities on a
pursuit ended up in
critical condition at
St. Vincent Healthcare
after being Tased by
officers.
On Sunday night around 11:20 Deputy John Smith was driving on 13th St. West when he saw a naked Native American male running south on 13th West.
Deputy Smith followed the man and called for assistance. He saw the suspect enter a home in the 1300 block of Avenue E; Smith then got out of his car and ran toward the house.
The suspect then came out of the house and jumped into Deputy Smith's vehicle. Smith chased the suspect on foot and saw him hit at least one parked car.
A short time later, Deputy Smith caught up with the suspect and tackled him. The man, who police suspect was under the influence of drugs, put up a fight as officers tried to detain him. Police say after several warnings they Tased him in the back with no effect and then used it again on his leg. After that, they were finally able to secure him into the back of the patrol car.
Authorities say once detained, he continued to try and get out of the vehicle. When officers arrived at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility, he refused to cooperate with detention officers.
A Taser was used again, this time to his leg. YCDF medical personnel checked him and found him in stable condition. After the medical check, he was placed in a cell for processing. A short time later he went into cardiac arrest. Officers performed CPR until medical crews arrived.
No charges have been filed at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
On Sunday night around 11:20 Deputy John Smith was driving on 13th St. West when he saw a naked Native American male running south on 13th West.
Deputy Smith followed the man and called for assistance. He saw the suspect enter a home in the 1300 block of Avenue E; Smith then got out of his car and ran toward the house.
The suspect then came out of the house and jumped into Deputy Smith's vehicle. Smith chased the suspect on foot and saw him hit at least one parked car.
A short time later, Deputy Smith caught up with the suspect and tackled him. The man, who police suspect was under the influence of drugs, put up a fight as officers tried to detain him. Police say after several warnings they Tased him in the back with no effect and then used it again on his leg. After that, they were finally able to secure him into the back of the patrol car.
Authorities say once detained, he continued to try and get out of the vehicle. When officers arrived at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility, he refused to cooperate with detention officers.
A Taser was used again, this time to his leg. YCDF medical personnel checked him and found him in stable condition. After the medical check, he was placed in a cell for processing. A short time later he went into cardiac arrest. Officers performed CPR until medical crews arrived.
No charges have been filed at this time. The investigation is ongoing.