Suspect Arrested After Wild Police Pursuit in Billings

A high intensity police incident involving a stolen vehicle, a pursuit, and an officer-involved shooting occurred in Billings on the evening of August 12, resulting in the arrest of a local man on multiple felony charges.

Stolen Vehicle from Bozeman Spotted in Billings

At approximately 7:53 p.m., officers and detectives from the Billings Police Department (BPD) Street Crimes Unit located a vehicle that had been reported stolen out of Bozeman. The vehicle, bearing stolen license plates, was found in the 200 block of Terry Avenue. According to the BPD, the same vehicle had previously fled from officers on multiple occasions.

Officer Fires Weapon After Vehicle Strikes Patrol Unit

During the attempted apprehension, officers tried to box in the stolen vehicle. In the process, the suspect allegedly struck a BPD patrol vehicle, narrowly missing an officer. A 19-year department veteran discharged their firearm in response to the threat. No injuries to officers or the suspect were reported at that point.

Suspect Flees; Pursuit Ends in Ditch

Following the confrontation, the suspect fled the scene in the stolen vehicle. BPD officers initiated a pursuit. The suspect vehicle, already damaged during the escape, was chased eastward until it ultimately crashed into a ditch along King Avenue East, west of Sugar Avenue.

Local Man Arrested on Multiple Charges

The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Jaylen Medicinebull of Billings, was arrested and taken into custody. He was remanded to the Yellowstone County Detention Facility (YCDF) on several charges, including Possession of Stolen Property, Assault on a Peace Officer, Criminal Endangerment, Obstructing a Peace Officer, Fleeing or Eluding a Peace Officer, Criminal Mischief, and Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

Crime Scene Secured and Investigations Underway

BPD detectives responded to both scenes: Terry Avenue and the crash site. Officers shut down King Avenue East temporarily to allow for evidence collection and scene processing. The Billings Police Department will lead the criminal investigation, while the Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) will conduct a separate investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

Cooperation Across Agencies

BPD extended gratitude to the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, and DCI for their assistance and coordination during the investigation.