One dead after Monday morning shooting near Columbia Falls

A Monday morning shooting near Columbia Falls left one person dead and another wounded, authorities say.  

The Flathead County Sheriff's Office and Columbia Falls Police Department headed to the 200 block of Dawn Drive about 7:09 a.m. for reports of gunfire, officials said. Investigators believe the two individuals involved in the confrontation exchanged fire. Both suffered gunshot wounds. 

One person was declared dead at the scene, officials said. Their body has since been taken to the Montana State Crime Lab for examination, which will determine the official cause and manner of death.  

Officials are working on identifying the individual killed and notifying their next of kin, according to authorities.  

The shooting remains under investigation, officials said. 

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 406-758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.