Burglary, Gunfire, and Drive-By Shooting Rock Billings Overnight
Billings Police say a series of incidents unfolded late Friday, February 27, and early Saturday, February 28. According to a police press release, officers responded to multiple calls, including a burglary and several weapons-related complaints, across different parts of the city.
Suspect Breaks Into Home on King Avenue East
The first call came in on February 27 at about 11:30 p.m. Officers with the Billings Police Department responded to a reported burglary in the 4100 block of King Avenue East.
Police say a male suspect forced entry into a residence. Officers were told the suspect also attempted to confront a witness outside before leaving the scene. The suspect was not immediately located when officers arrived.
READ MORE: Violent Robbery at Billings Park Leaves Man Assaulted, Car Stolen
Gunfire Erupts in Southgate Drive Parking Lot
A short time later, around 1:00 a.m. on February 28, officers were called to the area of 4900 Southgate Drive for a weapons disturbance.
According to police, a confrontation occurred in a parking lot involving multiple individuals in separate vehicles. During that confrontation, several gunshots were heard. The vehicles involved had left the area before officers arrived.
Drive-By Shooting Near Optimist Park
While officers were investigating that call, another report of gunfire came in from the area of Optimist Park. Callers reported that someone driving a white pickup truck was firing at a passenger vehicle. Officers located the occupants of the vehicle that had been targeted, and police say they were not injured.
Suspect Arrested After Firing at Vehicle
A short time later, officers located the suspect vehicle and took the driver into custody. Police identified the driver as 37-year-old Billings resident Cordero Metzker. Metzker was remanded to the Yellowstone County Detention Facility.
Suspect Faces Multiple Felony Charges
According to the Billings Police Department, Metzker is facing numerous charges related to the incidents, including:
• 5 counts of Criminal Endangerment
• 6 counts of Assault with a Weapon
• Robbery
• Kidnapping
• Stalking
• Burglary
• Partner Family Member Assault
• Tampering with a Communications Device
• Disorderly Conduct
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