Thompson Falls Police Department, Montana
End of Watch: Monday, January 7, 1974
Age: 44
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
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.