BILLINGS, MT. (THECOUNT) — A high-speed police chase ended in tragedy on Friday evening, September 13, 2024, when a fatal crash at the intersection of Broadwater Avenue and 24th Street West claimed the lives of two people and left four others injured. The Billings Police Department (BPD) confirmed the arrest of 32-year-old Ricky Buchanan, who led police on a chase that resulted in the fatal collision.
Events Leading to the Crash:
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The incident began when the BPD responded to a disturbance in a parking lot near Broadwater and 29th Street. According to a press release from the department, officers arrived on the scene after receiving reports of a disturbance involving Buchanan. Upon seeing the police, Buchanan fled the scene in his vehicle, heading eastbound on Broadwater Avenue at high speeds.
Police attempted to stop Buchanan, but he continued to evade officers, leading to a high-speed pursuit through a busy part of Billings. The chase took a deadly turn when Buchanan ran a red light at the intersection of Broadwater Avenue and 24th Street West, colliding with a vehicle that was traveling northbound through the intersection.
Fatal Collision and Aftermath:
The vehicle Buchanan struck was occupied by two individuals traveling north on 24th Street West. Both suffered life-threatening injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Their names have not yet been released as authorities work to notify their families.
The force of the collision caused the two vehicles to strike a third vehicle that was stopped at a red light, facing westbound on Broadwater Avenue. This third vehicle was occupied by four individuals who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. They were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, and their conditions are reported as stable.
Foot Chase and Arrest of Ricky Buchanan:
Following the crash, Ricky Buchanan exited his vehicle and fled the scene on foot. Officers responding to the initial disturbance quickly pursued him. The chase continued for several blocks before Buchanan was apprehended in the 1800 block of Wyoming Avenue.
At the time of his arrest, Buchanan’s charges had not been fully determined. However, he is expected to face multiple charges, including fleeing from law enforcement, vehicular manslaughter, and potentially additional counts related to the injuries and fatalities resulting from the crash. The Billings Police Department is working with local prosecutors to determine the full extent of Buchanan’s charges.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings:
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the full details of the incident. The Billings Police Department has stated that Buchanan’s decision to flee from the initial disturbance likely played a significant role in the fatal outcome of the chase. However, investigators are also examining whether any other factors, such as impairment or reckless driving, contributed to the crash.
At this time, police have not provided information about Buchanan’s criminal history or whether he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident. Toxicology tests are expected to be conducted to determine whether any substances were involved.
Community Reaction and Public Safety Concerns:
The fatal crash has shocked the Billings community, particularly those living and working near the busy intersection where the collision occurred. Broadwater Avenue and 24th Street West are known as high-traffic areas, and the presence of a police chase at such a location has raised concerns about the safety of both drivers and pedestrians in the vicinity.
Traffic Impact and Safety Measures:
Following the crash, the intersection of Broadwater Avenue and 24th Street West was closed for several hours while investigators processed the scene. Traffic in the area was rerouted, and motorists were advised to avoid the intersection until it was reopened later that evening.
Conclusion:
The fatal crash on Broadwater Avenue and 24th Street West has left two dead, four injured, and a community grappling with the consequences of a police chase gone wrong. As the investigation unfolds, the families of the victims are left to mourn their loss while the legal process for Ricky Buchanan moves forward.
Authorities are expected to release more information, including the identities of the deceased and the full list of charges Buchanan will face, in the coming days. In the meantime, the Billings community is focused on healing and finding ways to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Billings is a city in southern Montana on the Yellowstone River. In the north, trails wind along the rimrocks, which are sandstone cliffs. The Western Heritage Center displays local historical artifacts. The Moss Mansion showcases early-20th-century interiors. Pictograph Cave State Park’s rock paintings are just outside of town. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is where Lieutenant Colonel Custer died.
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