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Chief of Police Don Richard Williams | Thompson Falls Police Department, Montana
Thompson Falls Police Department, Montana

Chief of Police

Don Richard Williams

Thompson Falls Police Department, Montana

End of Watch: Monday, January 7, 1974

Biographical Info

Age: 44
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 7, 1974
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed

Chief of Police Don Williams and Game Warden Eugene Sara, of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, were shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call near the intersection of Haley Avenue and Spruce Street.

The suspect had already shot Chief Williams and stolen his weapon. As Warden Sara and a county sheriff's deputy arrived at the scene the suspect opened fire on them, mortally wounding Warden Sara. Warden Sara and the deputy were able to return fire, killing the suspect.

Warden Sara's wife was working as a dispatcher on the night of the incident and dispatched the officers on the call.