2 women killed, man shot; suspect in custody after chase

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — Two women were killed and a man was shot near the western Montana town of Stevensville and the suspect was arrested after a chase that ended in a crash in a yard in Missoula, Ravalli County officials said.

Sheriff Steve Holton said his office is investigating Tuesday's shooting as a domestic violence incident and there is evidence the suspect was under the influence of drugs.

The injured man gave officers a description of the shooter's vehicle and a Montana Highway Patrol trooper spotted the black Camaro on U.S. Highway 93 in Lolo at about 7 p.m., Holton said. Troopers put out spike strips but the driver avoided them.

“The suspect took off and ended up in a pursuit with Missoula County Sheriff’s deputies, Ravalli County Sheriff’s deputies and Missoula Police officers before the suspect wrecked his vehicle in Missoula," Holton said.

The suspect was arrested at about 8 p.m. and was booked into the Ravalli County jail on suspicion of deliberate homicide, assault with a weapon and criminal endangerment.

Holton did not release the names of the victims, who are in their 20s, as is the suspect, Holton said. The injured man is hospitalized in Missoula.