Billings police investigate shoplifting, shooting

BILLINGS – Police in Billings are investigating after a man reportedly tried to detain two suspected shoplifters and then fired a gun at their tires as they drove away.

Sgt. Matt Chaney said the man confronted the suspects at Rimrock Mall on Saturday evening and told them they could not leave. The man reportedly stood behind the car to prevent them from leaving and told them he had a gun and would shoot them if they drove off.

Chaney said the suspects then tried to back over the man, who fired several shots into the tires of the suspect vehicle. The shooting was reported at about 5:40 p.m.

The shoplifting suspects have not been identified.

The man who fired the shots was questioned at the scene and released. No one was injured.