One dead after tactical team responds to Ronan; suicide suspected

A Missoula County tactical team was part of a large law enforcement response to a report of an assault at a Ronan residence early Wednesday morning. A man at the residence was later discovered to be deceased, likely the result of a suicide, authorities said.

Lake County Deputies responded to a residence in the area of Grizzly Drive, east of Ronan, following a report of an assault just after 7:30 a.m., according to a press release from Lake County Sheriff Don Bell that was issued Wednesday afternoon.

After their initial investigation with the reporting party, deputies made contact with the male suspect, who was the sole occupant in the home. Prior to the arrival of the deputies, the suspect had made statements indicating he was armed and planned on a confrontation with deputies. Those threats prompted the Sheriff’s Office to request assistance from Missoula County.

Once the tactical team arrived, they attempted to make contact with the man. Public Announcement systems, sirens and a distraction device (flash bang) were used to try to elicit a response from the home. The team used a remote-controlled device to enter the home and ultimately determined the man was deceased.

The preliminary investigation indicates the man committed suicide prior to the deputies arriving at the home. Authorities are waiting to release his name until family members have been notified.

Flathead Tribal Police also assisted in responding to the incident.