Coroner's inquest underway for downtown officer-involved fatal shooting

Posted: Oct 2, 2012 10:43 AM by Q2 News Staff
Updated: Oct 3, 2012 11:01 AM

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BILLINGS - A Coroner's Inquest is underway Tuesday morning at the Yellowstone County Detention Center for the death of Michael Brandon, 29.

On May 24, Brandon was shot and killed by Billings police after he opened fire on three officers at the Holiday Gas Station on 27th Street West and 6th Avenue North in downtown Billings. Brandon fled the scene on foot and was later located at the Dude Rancher Lodge 415 North 29th Street. That's where he was fatally shot by police.

Sergeant Shawn Finnegan with the Billings Police Department spoke to the jury about the events that took place at the Holiday Gas Station on May 24. Gunshots could be heard in the audio from Sgt. Finnegan's squad car dashboard camera shortly after the sergeant and another officer entered the store.

Surveillance video from inside of the gas station store showed Brandon pull a gun from his waistline and shoot at officers.

Sgt. Finnegan said he recalls hearing three shots fired in the store. Video then shows Brandon run out of the store and the officers pursue him by foot.

More information will be revealed as witnesses are called to the stand throughout Tuesday and Wednesday during the inquest.