Park Co. Sheriff reflects on standoff surrender Wednesday night
Surrender didn t happen without a fight
The surrender didn t happen without a fight.
and last updated 2021-02-06 10:58:52-05
LIVINGSTON â âGiven that circumstance, I think it probably ended about as good as it possibly could have.â
Thatâs what Park County Sheriff Brad Bichler says after an over 30-hour long standoff that resulted in no law enforcement injuries, and the surrender of the suspect, Michael Marfuta.
But that surrender didnât come without a fight.
âSo around 10 oâclock last night we were trying to reposition some of our tactical teams around the house,â said Bichler.
Intense Police Standoff in Livingston Ends After Nearly Two Days
According to a press release from the Park County Sheriff s Office, the armed, barricaded suspect at the View Vista trailer court in Livingston has been arrested and is in custody.
Law enforcement from Livingston and surrounding areas in Montana spent nearly two days negotiating with a man that had barricaded himself inside of his home at the View Vista trailer court.
According to the Park County Sheriff s Office, deputies tried to serve a court-ordered eviction to 49-year-old Livingston resident Michael Marfuta. The suspect is known to law enforcement and has threatened violence before. When deputies attempted to serve the order, Marfuta was away from the residence. The Sheriff s Office said that Marfuta fled and later confronted deputies and threatened them with a knife.
UPDATE: FEB. 4 AT 4 A.M.
After two days, Park County Sheriff Brad Bichler said the armed standoff at View Vista came to an end. According to the Park County Sheriff s Office (PCSO), Marfuta was wounded by law enforcement.Â
Law enforcement spent two days trying to convince Marfuta to surrender. These types of incidents are rate but high risk to the subject, to Law Enforcement and to the public, Bichler said. I appreciate the communities support and understanding. It allowed us to use time to our advantage. Unfortunately, Mr. Marfuta made the decision several times to try and shoot us. When Deputies feel there is an immediate threat to themselves or the public they have a duty to stop that threat.
One resident of the View Vista apartments, who asked not to be identified, shared what she has seen develop on-scene in Livingston, regarding the "tense situation."