Captain Tony Rio is back to work at the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office for the first time after being injured in an officer involved shooting near Evaro on New Year’s Eve

Rio, along with Deputy Jace Dicken, were investigating a domestic violence call when 42 year-old Eugene Statelen allegedly attempted to run Rio and Dicken over with his vehicle.Rio fired two shots into the vehicle striking Statelen in the shoulder and in the head.

The Missoula County Attorney’s office has ruled the shooting to be justified.

After spending several days in St. Patrick Hospital, Statelen is now free on $50,000 bond pending trial on three felony counts of assault with a weapon and assault on a peace officer.

Rio was injured when he was partially dragged under Statelen’s vehicle. He is back to work on light duty until he has completely recovered.

 

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