(UPDATE, NOVEMBER 17, 2025) David Darrow Russo, who was arrested near York on Friday, November 14, 2025, is facing felony assault and theft charges in Lewis & Clark County.
Russo, 45 years old, was scheduled to make his initial appearance before Justice of the Peace Mike Swingley on Monday. However, court staff told MTN he was not cooperating with jail staff and could not be seen.
Court documents filed Monday charge Russo of three counts of felony assault with a weapon and a felony count of theft of a light vehicle.
(1st REPORT, NOVEMBER 14, 2025) There was a heavy law enforcement presence near Owl Gulch Road on Friday, November 14, 2025.
The Lewis & Clark County Sheriff’s Office got a call about a disabled vehicle that appeared to be stuck near Owl Creek around 7:30 a.m.
The vehicle was possibly one that had been stolen in a previously-reported case.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they said a 45-year-old man pointed a firearm at them.
They called in the joint Lewis & Clark County and Helena Police Department SWAT team for support, and the Montana Highway Patrol also responded.
According to law enforcement, the man did not obey commands, so flash bangs were deployed.
They also used gas and less-lethal rounds.
A Helena police K-9 was also used, detaining the suspect just before 1 p.m.
Officials say the man is in custody and there is no threat to the public; the name of the man has not yet been released.
We will update you if we get more information.
