Published On: September 26, 2017Categories: Montana Highway Patrol

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 26th, 2017

Contact:

Kristin Banchero, 406.475.1670, [email protected]

Helena, MT. —  Montana Highway Patrol Troopers Benjamin Panas, Thomas Gill and Timothy Wyckoff were honored yesterday at the 2017 Governor’s Awards for their heroic actions in response to Deputy Mason Moore’s murder last May.

On May 16th, 2017 Trooper Benjamin Panas responded to assist Broadwater County Sheriff’s Deputy Mason Moore.  Moore who had initiated a pursuit after a subject refused to yield for a traffic stop, was no longer responding to radio calls. Trooper Panas responded to the scene to assist Deputy Moore. Upon locating Moore’s patrol car, Panas discovered that Deputy Moore had tragically been killed by apparent gunfire. Not knowing if the suspects were still nearby, Trooper Panas readied his rifle and searched the area. He then secured the scene until back up officers could arrive.

The suspects’ vehicle was later located on I-90 by the Butte Silverbow Sheriff’s Office who then initiated a pursuit of the fleeing vehicle. Troopers Wyckoff and Gill were called in to assist in the pursuit and stop stick the vehicle. Trooper Wyckoff immediately joined the pursuit and Trooper Gill successfully deployed stop sticks, deflating two of the suspect vehicle’s tires. Trooper Gill then re-engaged the pursuit.

After two police vehicles leading the pursuit became disabled by gunfire, Trooper Wyckoff took the lead in the pursuit with Trooper Gill and officers from other law enforcement agencies not far behind him. As Wyckoff closed in on the suspect vehicle, the suspects began firing rounds from a high-powered rifle striking Wyckoff’s patrol car. Despite the gunfire, Wyckoff continued the pursuit until the suspects’ vehicle came to a stop. At that time, Trooper Wyckoff immediately stopped his vehicle and came under heavy gunfire. Trooper Wyckoff exited his vehicle and took cover behind his patrol car until Trooper Gill and other law enforcement arrived on scene to assist.

A gun fight ensued between responding officers and the suspects until the threat was neutralized. Wyckoff assisted in taking the suspect driver into custody and Trooper Gill provided cover for officers approaching the passenger.

Trooper Wyckoff’s vehicle sustained damage from the gunfire. Trooper Wyckoff was later treated and released for minor injuries sustained in the incident.

“Despite the devastating loss of Deputy Moore, we are immensely proud of the bravery and dedication to the public demonstrated by all officers involved on that terrible morning,” said Colonel Tom Butler in a statement. “From Deputy Moore who paid the ultimate sacrifice, to our troopers and other law enforcement partners who risked their lives to bring this incident to a swift close- we can never thank you enough.”

Governor’s Awards are presented yearly to State of Montana employees who exemplify excellence in performance.

 

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