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.

Schools in the area were closed for two days as a result of the standoff.

On Wednesday night, multiple reports of gunfire were shared by residents on the This is REALLY Livingston Facebook page.

Early Thursday morning, the Park County Sheriff's Office issued a press release regarding the situation.

Wednesday at approximately 10:00 P.M., Park County Sheriff Brad Bichler announced that the armed, barricaded subject incident at 1 View Vista was brought to conclusion.

Sheriff Bichler said Michael Marfuta of Livingston was wounded by law enforcement after he opened fire on Deputies and Officers. The incident was two days of intensive work trying to convince Marfuta to surrender.

Bichler said “These types of incidents are rare but high risk to the subject, to Law Enforcement, and to the public. I appreciate the community support and understanding. It allowed us to use the 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.”

Marfuta was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and was arrested on an outstanding warrant. He was charged with Assault with a weapon and obstructing a peace officer. Additional charges are pending including Attempted Homicide and Criminal Endangerment. He will have an initial appearance in Park County Justice Court when his medical condition allows.