Update 1 p.m. Monday
Carbon County Sheriff Josh McQuillan released the following statement at about 1 p.m. Monday:
Carbon County, Mont.
Carbon County Sheriff/Coroner Josh McQuillan released information regarding a fatal traffic accident that occurred Friday night, July 15. Two men were struck by a Carbon County Sheriff’s patrol vehicle and were pronounced dead at the scene. The deceased have been identified as Darren Shull, 52, of Billings, and Jesse L Beck, 45, of Rockvale.
Pursuant to policy, the deputy has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. The accident is being investigated by outside agencies including the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, the Montana Highway Patrol, and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.
Sheriff McQuillan states, “At this point in the investigation, it is of the utmost importance that we proceed with transparency and without the appearance of conflict. To that end, I have asked for an independent coroner and outside agencies to investigate this tragic event.”
The decedents were transported to Billings for an autopsy at the State Crime Lab. As required by law, a public coroner’s inquest will be held at a later date. The deputy’s name will be released at a later date.
Montana Highway Patrol Sgt. Jay Nelson provided this information shortly after 1 p.m:
Montana Highway Patrol responded to a one vehicle fatality crash on Highway 212 at mile post 82 near Roberts, MT on Friday July 15, 2022. This crash involved a Carbon County Deputy driving a vehicle and two pedestrians. Both pedestrians were killed in the crash. This crash continues to be under investigation.
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Previous Report
The Montana Highway Patrol reports there was a fatal crash Friday night on Highway 212 near Roberts.
The patrol's online incident map states the crash was reported at 10:25 p.m. at mile marker 82.
The Carbon County Sheriff's Office referred questions Monday morning to the Montana Highway Patrol. A patrol dispatcher referred questions about the incident to Sgt. Jay Nelson, who was not immediately available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
