Flathead County Sheriff's Office

06/19/2026

🚨 We're hiring—and we're looking for the right people, not just experienced people.
If you're dependable, motivated, and ready for a challenge, we can teach you the rest.

06/16/2026

On June 15, 2026, at approximately 11:52 a.m., the Flathead County Sheriff's Office received a report of a vehicle versus semi-truck crash on U.S. Highway 2 west of Kalispell, near mile marker 104.

Following the collision, both vehicles subsequently caught fire. The driver of the semi-truck was able to self-extricate from the vehicle and was treated at the scene before being transported by emergency medical services for further medical care.

The driver of the passenger vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. The decedent has been transported to the Montana State Medical Examiner's Office in Missoula, where an autopsy will be conducted.

The Flathead County Coroner's Office and the Montana Highway Patrol continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.

06/16/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On June 13, 2026, at approximately 2:50 a.m., the Flathead County Sheriff's Office received a report regarding an unresponsive male found at a gathering in Flathead County.
According to the preliminary investigation, a large party involving numerous juveniles and young adults had taken place earlier in the evening. Several individuals reported locating an adult male in a grassy area near the gathering. The male appeared highly intoxicated, was shivering, and was unresponsive to efforts to improve his condition.
Individuals at the scene moved the male closer to a fire for warmth and later attempted to transport him to meet emergency medical personnel. During transport, it was reported that the male lost signs of life, and CPR was initiated until emergency responders arrived and assumed care.
The male was transported for further examination. An autopsy is being conducted, and investigators reported no obvious external traumatic injuries other than minor scratches.
The investigation remains active. Detectives are continuing to interview witnesses and review evidence to determine the circumstances leading up to the incident. At this time, no conclusions regarding the cause or manner of death have been made.

06/01/2026

The Flathead County Detention Center is hiring full-time Detention Officers!

Working in detention provides outstanding opportunities for professional growth, specialized training, and career advancement within the Sheriff's Office.

No experience needed. Apply below:

Postings of current job openings in the Flathead County Government. Submit your application and find a career with us.

05/30/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On May 29, 2026, deputies with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an assault involving a weapon in the Emery Bay area of the Hungry Horse Reservoir.

During the incident, an officer-involved shooting occurred. No deputies were injured during the event. The suspect is deceased.

In accordance with standard protocol, the Kalispell Police Department will be conducting an independent investigation into the incident.

No further information is available at this time. Additional updates will be released as appropriate.

05/29/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Flathead County Sheriff's Office is urging residents and visitors to use extreme caution around local waterways due to high water conditions, cold water temperatures, and increased debris.
Emergency responders have been dispatched to multiple water rescue incidents in recent days. Current river conditions present significant hazards, including strong currents, submerged obstacles, unstable banks, and water temperatures capable of causing cold-water shock.

Our volunteer and professional first responders stand ready and continue to respond diligently to these emergencies, but we need the public's help to keep everyone safe. We are experiencing elevated water levels throughout the region, and conditions can change rapidly. We encourage everyone to closely monitor river conditions, weather forecasts, and local advisories before entering or recreating near the water.

In the past several days, emergency resources from across the valley have been called upon to respond to numerous water-related incidents. These incidents serve as a reminder that even experienced swimmers and outdoor enthusiasts can quickly find themselves in dangerous situations.

The Sheriff's Office recommends:
• Wearing a properly fitted life jacket while boating, floating, fishing, or participating in any water recreation.
• Avoiding unnecessary entry into rivers and streams experiencing high flows.
• Supervising children closely near any body of water.
• Staying clear of riverbanks that may be unstable or subject to erosion.
• Remaining alert for floating and submerged debris.
• Never underestimating the effects of cold water and swift currents.

The public is reminded that conditions can change rapidly, and what may appear to be calm water can conceal powerful currents, dangerous drop-offs, and hidden obstacles. A moment of inattention can quickly become a life-threatening emergency.

I want to thank our volunteer and professional responders who continue to answer the call each day. As these incidents become more frequent and often occur simultaneously, we are asking the public to remain vigilant, make smart decisions around the water, and help us prevent avoidable emergencies.

By working together, we can reduce the need for rescue responses and ensure everyone enjoys Montana's waterways safely.

Sheriff Brian Heino
Flathead County Sheriff's Office

05/23/2026

Please take a moment to remember the true meaning behind this weekend and honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedoms. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

05/18/2026

The Flathead County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identity of the deceased individual from the shooting that occurred on Dawn Drive, May 11, 2026, shortly after 7:00 a.m.

The decedent has been identified as Donald J. Schwindt, born December 5, 1966, of Columbia Falls.

An autopsy has been completed at the Montana State Crime Lab in Missoula.

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office continues to actively investigate the incident.

05/12/2026

During National Law Enforcement Appreciation Week, I want to personally thank each of you for the work you do every single day for this community. You willingly put yourselves in difficult and unpredictable situations, often sacrificing time with your own families to protect someone else’s.

Flathead County is fortunate to have such professional, dedicated, and compassionate deputies serving our citizens. I see the long hours, the difficult calls, the patience you show people on their worst days, and the pride you take in wearing this badge.

Most importantly, thank you for always having each other’s backs and for representing this office with integrity and professionalism.

I am proud to serve alongside you.

— Sheriff Brian Heino

05/12/2026

🚨‼️SCAM ALERT ‼️🚨