Manhunt Underway For Vandal Who Firebombed Sheriff’s Vehicles

Helena, MT – A manhunt is underway for the vandal who firebombed multiple Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office (LCCSO) vehicles outside the City of Helena Law and Justice Center earlier this month.

The incident occurred in the 400-block of Fuller Avenue at approximately 1:50 a.m. on April 2, the LCCSO said in a press release on Thursday.

The site is the home of the City of Helena Law and Justice Center, which houses the LCCSO, the Helena Police Department, and the Helena Municipal Court.

Investigators released a photo of a suspect dressed in dark clothing who they said threw “an ignited incendiary bomb” known as a Molotov cocktail at LCCSO vehicles and other property at the law center.

The attack, which was captured by surveillance cameras, resulted in “thousands of dollars in damage,” the sheriff’s office said.

Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton told KTVH he doesn’t believe residents will stand for violence against local law enforcement.

.@ATF_Denver is offering a reward of up to💲𝟭𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 for info related to the 4/2 firebombing of the @city_helena Law & Justice Center causing thousands of dollars of damage to @LCSOHelenaMT property.☎️888-ATF-TIPS or go to🤳@Reportitcom to share your tip anonymously. #ATFTips pic.twitter.com/RmxF8koNGV

— ATF Denver (@ATF_Denver) April 13, 2023

“I don’t think that people in Montana or Lewis and Clark County have a stomach for firebombing the sheriff’s office,” Sheriff Dutton said. “This ups the violence. This… event will lead to much greater violence if we don’t get this cornered.”

The sheriff also discussed the incident during a meeting with business owners and residents on Thursday, the Montana Standard reported.

“What is disturbing to me is the level of violence,” he said. “For me, this is my home. This is where I raised my kids. This is where my grandkids are… An assault on my home ground is tough.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Denver Field Division is assisting with the investigation.

The ATF and the LCCSO are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the firebombing.

Investigators urged anyone with any information about the incident to contact police immediately.