Billings police shooting investigation in Man shot by Billings officer arrested after release from hospital

Billings police announced Monday that the man shot by an officer has been arrested following his release from the hospital.

 

Caleb Denny, 28, of Box Elder, was taken into custody and booked into the Yellowstone County jail on Sunday after his discharge, according to a press release issued Monday morning.

 

Denny faces multiple charges, including three counts of assault on a peace officer, criminal possession of dangerous drugs, obstructing a peace officer, resisting arrest, and criminal trespass to a vehicle.

 

The incident occurred Thursday afternoon when officers responded to a report of a vehicle break-in in the 2600 block of North 26th Street.

 

Upon arrival, officers encountered a man who fled the scene, prompting a pursuit.

 

During the chase, the suspect allegedly reached for a firearm in his waistband, leading Officer Quin Johnson to discharge his weapon, striking the man in the head.

 

Additional officers arrived and issued verbal commands; however, the suspect failed to comply and remained in possession of the firearm.

 

Officers deployed a beanbag round, after which the suspect moved away from the firearm and was safely taken into custody.

 

Medical aid was immediately rendered until emergency medical personnel arrived, and the suspect was transported to a local medical facility.

 

A Model 1911 .45 caliber firearm was recovered at the scene.

 

Three officers involved in the incident, including Johnson, have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure.

 

In a related development, a man was fatally shot by two Billings police officers late Monday after pointing a semi-automatic handgun at them.

 

The officers were investigating a call for suspicious activity in an apartment complex parking lot near the 2200 block of Avenue C.

 

Upon arrival, they encountered a 29-year-old man from Box Elder standing outside a vehicle with its hood open.

 

During the interaction, the man produced a semi-automatic handgun and pointed it at the officers.

 

In response, Officers Ryland Nelson and Paul Bickford fired multiple rounds from their department-issued Glock 9mm handguns, striking the man.

 

The suspect was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

 

Both officers received minor injuries during the altercation and have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

 

These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring public safety while navigating complex and potentially dangerous situations.

 

The Billings Police Department continues to investigate both cases to determine the circumstances and ensure transparency in their findings.