Mont. deputy, 28, shot and killed while responding to disturbance call - Police1

A 28-year-old Lincoln County deputy was shot and killed while responding to a disturbance call in Eureka, Montana, on October 30, 2026, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Ryan Terpsma was among two officers who arrived at a residence on Lone Pine Trail at 8:20 p.m. to address the call. Terpsma died at the scene, while a Eureka Police Department officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect, 50-year-old Matthew David Dye of Kalispell, fled the location in a vehicle with a 7-year-old girl, prompting a pursuit by Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies. During the chase, Dye fired at deputies, disabling two patrol cars, and was eventually apprehended after a roadblock. The girl was unharmed, according to Flathead County authorities.

Law enforcement later found 46-year-old Merrisa Walker dead at the original call location, while a juvenile female injured at the scene was treated and released. Dye is expected to face charges and appear in Lincoln County Justice Court. Lincoln County Sheriff Darren Short described the incident as part of “trying times” for the community, urging support for the sheriff’s office and grieving families. The Montana Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the probe.

Mont. deputy, 28, shot and killed while responding to disturbance call - Police1

Deputy Killed During Disturbance Response

Terpsma and a Eureka police officer arrived at the 118 Lone Pine Trail address around 8:20 p.m. to address a disturbance, according to Sheriff Short. Dye, the suspect, fled the scene in a vehicle, taking a 7-year-old girl with him. Flathead County deputies tracked the vehicle, leading to a pursuit that ended with Dye surrendering after a roadblock. The girl, who was unharmed, was not identified in the report.

Suspect Arrested After Pursuit

Dye, 50, was charged in connection with the shooting and is scheduled for an initial hearing in Lincoln County Justice Court. During the pursuit, Dye fired at deputies, damaging two patrol cars. Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies returned fire, according to their statement. The incident occurred amid broader concerns in Lincoln County, where Short noted “trying times” in the past year. The sheriff’s office emphasized the need for community solidarity as they grieve Terpsma’s death. The Montana Department of Justice is overseeing the investigation into the shooting and related events.