News and Press Releases

Media/Public Release - July 22, 2009 - Discharge of firearm in City Limits

The Bozeman Police Department is investigating the unlawful discharge of a firearm in the city that occurred on Hunter's Way sometime between

•  11:30 p.m. on July 21, 2009 and 01:00 a.m. on July 22, 2009.
• Unknown person(s) shot into 2 residences and at least 3 vehicles
•  Located between the 400 and 700 block of N. Hunter's Way.
• The firearm used appears to be a small calibre firearm.
• Damage to the vehicles included shattered windows
• At least one residence a round penetrated into the home.
• Fortunately, no persons were injured.

We take this type of incident seriously, especially considering the possibility of a person being seriously injured. Anyone with information on a vehicle or persons responsible for this action are asked to call the Bozeman Police Department at 582-2000 or they may call Crimestoppers at 586-1131 to be eligible for a reward. p>

Media/Public Release – October 16, 2008

 Sexual Assault/Indecent Exposure

The Bozeman Police Department received a report of a sexual assault and indecent exposure on October 12, 2008. A female reported that she was walking north on Grand and was nearing the intersection of Cottonwood when a male approached her from behind and bumped into her back. The victim turned around to find the suspect masturbating. The victim turned to walk away when the suspect grabbed her by the neck and took her to the ground. The female kicked the suspect several times. The suspect ran eastbound on Cottonwood. The suspect was described as being 5’7-5’8 and was wearing a black hood (hooded sweatshirt) and a baseball cap.

Sexual assault reports were made in February and May of 2008 with similar circumstances. In February, a female was walking on North Church when a male came up from behind her and grabbed her buttocks. The suspect was described as being a younger male, 5’6, thin build, and wearing a dark hoodie. In May, a female reported that she was walking north on North 3rd when a male attacked her. The male pushed her up against a house and ran his hand up her leg. She screamed and the male left. The suspect was described as being 5’7-5’8, 190 lbs. The suspect was wearing a black hoodie and his face was covered with the hoodie. The sweatshirt had writing on the front.

These incidents occurred between 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m.

The Bozeman Police Department strongly encourages citizens to follow these safety tips:

1. "Safety in numbers" - try to walk with a friend/co-worker when on the street. But if this is not possible or practical, be alert and look assertive.

2. Walk on the side of the street facing traffic, near the curb, to avoid passing close to shrubbery, doorways, and other places where an assailant may be hiding.

3. Avoid walking in dark, isolated areas and unfamiliar areas, especially at night.

4. If a car stops and its driver asks you for directions, avoid getting too close to the vehicle. If someone in the vehicle harasses you or follows you, turn abruptly and run in the opposite direction, toward a location that is busy with people.

5. If you think you are being followed, cross the street, vary your pace, and/or change directions. If the person persists, go to an area of safety (a store, public building, etc.) and seek alternatives to continuing on alone.

6. Try to be familiar with where you are and what resources are available in the event you feel threatened (I.e., 24 hour gas stations, fire stations, convenience stores, etc.)

7. Always be alert and aware. Be sensitive to your "sixth sense" (your gut feeling). If someone or something strikes a chord of fear in you, change your direction toward a populated area and ask for help, such as an escort to wherever you are going. If you cannot leave your location, scream, yell, or whistle, but remember, the time to attract attention and/or run is before you are attacked.

8. If you have a personal attack alarm (whistle)or pepper stray - be properly instructed on the proper use of the item and then carry it in your hand whenever you are on the street (you will not have time to dig for it in your purse or pocket) and be prepared to use it if feeling threatened.

9. If you detect danger, turn and look at the potential danger to evaluate whether in fact a dangerous situation exists. If you do not like what you see, prepare yourself mentally and physically. If you feel that you are in immediate physical danger, evaluate the possibility of running and be prepared to use the personal attack alarm or pepper spray which should already be in your hand.

10. If you are a victim of an assault please call 911 immediately. Delaying a call to law enforcement greatly diminishes the chance of identifying and apprehending the suspect. Persons who wish to provide information that may lead to the identification/apprehension of a suspect are encouraged to contact the Bozeman Police Department. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Crimestoppers at 586-1131.