Around 40 Shots Fired Before BearCat Ends Montana Standoff

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July 19, 2026, at approximately 11:30 p.m., numerous Missoula County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a disturbance near a residence at Six Mile Road in Huson belonging to Jane and John Doe. The complainant, Jane Doe, reported that 43-year-old Chat Couture was on her property, had a large fire, and was shooting firearms erratically. Jane Doe said she served Couture with an eviction notice two days prior.  

A deputy was aware Couture recently broke windows of a company truck after he left his employment. The deputy was told by the reporting party at the business that the reporting party feared Couture would return to his camper on the Does’ property and retaliate against the business’s foreman, John Doe, who is a relative and lives with Jane Doe.  

As deputies approached the scene, dispatch advised that Jane and John Doe, along with Kim Doe, were in the Does’ residence, 25 to 50 yards from where Couture was shooting. Kim and John Doe are Jane Doe’s children. Jane Doe had a surveillance camera and was advising law enforcement on Couture’s activities.  

Life Under Fire: Threats Escalate

Jane Doe told dispatch that Couture was continually shooting pistols and a rifle in the air toward the fire, toward the Does’ shop, and towards the neighbor’s property. Jane Doe was told to lock all doors and shelter in place. Dispatch advised they could hear shots being fired in the background during the call.  

A sergeant arrived on scene and observed Couture throwing furniture in the fire, then shooting several rounds in rapid succession, reloading, and then shooting more. The sergeant heard approximately 40 rounds fired while he was on scene from both a rifle and pistol. The sergeant also saw Couture carrying a gas can and placing propane tanks strategically around the property. 

Jane Doe notified law enforcement that Couture was actively shooting toward the security camera on the shop. The sergeant noted that the Does’ residence is approximately 50 yards on the other side of the shop. The shop sits between Couture’s camper and the Does’ residence. The sergeant noted that Couture’s rounds would head towards the residence if they did not stop at the shop. 

The sergeant requested that the Bearcat armored vehicle be deployed. Another deputy arrived on scene with the Bearcat and an arrest team was assembled. At approximately 12:30 a.m., law enforcement approached Couture with the Bearcat. Couture was in front of his camper with a gas can in his hand. Commands were given to Couture that he was under arrest. Couture complied with commands without incident and was arrested. Law enforcement noted Couture appeared intoxicated. 

Weapons and Evidence: Investigating the Scene

After Couture was placed with a deputy to be transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility, law enforcement investigated the scene. A deputy observed multiple weapons inside Couture’s vehicle, including firearms and ammo, through the driver’s side window. Couture’s truck was seized and towed to the Missoula County Sheriff’s secure impound lot.  

Law enforcement further observed and documented the scene. The deputy observed the shot-out shop light, several shell casings belonging to a 300 H&H, which is a large hunting rifle caliber, 9mm casings, propane tanks piled up, and knives out in the open. 

Jane Doe inquired about an order of protection and was adamant that she did not want Couture back on the property. The Missoula County Attorney’s Office was made aware that Jane Doe has applied for an order of protection against Couture. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Couture is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon, felony criminal endangerment, and criminal mischief. His bond was set at $75,000. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.