A man allegedly living in a self-storage unit in Belgrade, Mont., was shot and killed by sheriffs deputies in a standoff last weekend.
James Parker Coogler, 50, was killed after he fired a rifle at officers at Ostermans Mini Storage in the early morning hours Saturday.
Gallatin County sheriffs deputies were called to the self-storage facility around 11 p.m. to investigate reports of a trespasser. When they arrived, Coogler pointed a rifle at deputies, who then began negotiations with him.
After several hours, Coogler stopped communicating with officers, then fired multiple rounds from a high-powered rifle around 3:30 a.m., according to police reports. Deputy Sheriff Don Peterson returned fire, killing Coogler.
A woman who works in the Bruce Industrial Park where the facility is located told the Bozeman Daily Chronicle Coogler had been living in the storage unit, and facility management had informed him it was prohibited.
The facility remained closed Saturday while police continued their investigation.
Sources:
- Belgrade News: Man Shot Dead in Belgrade Standoff
