Shortly after 1:00 AM on February 20, 2024, the City of Great Falls / Cascade County 911 Center received a call reporting a male had been shot at a business in the 1900 block of 10th Ave S. Great Falls Police Department (GFPD), Great Falls Fire Rescue (GFFR), and Great Falls Emergency Services (GFES) were dispatched.

Victim Identified and Transported to Hospital

GFPD officers located a male gunshot victim and learned the 24-year-old Great Falls resident was an employee of the business, working at the time of the shooting. The victim was transported to Benefis Emergency Department by GFES and is now listed in stable condition. It was reported that a group of drive-thru customers was refused service for being unruly with staff.

Altercation Leads to Shooting in Great Falls

The gunshot victim was acquainted with the group of customers and was attempting to address their concerns outside in the parking lot when a firearm was brandished and used to shoot the victim. The investigation led GFPD officers and detectives to a residence in the 1600 block of 9th Ave S.

Arrest Made and Charges Filed

The GFPD High-Risk Unit (HRU), comprised of GFPD officers and Cascade County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies, responded to the residence and made contact with several individuals inside the home. The HRU executed a Search Warrant on the home, utilizing standard SWAT techniques such as distraction devices and chemical irritants as they cleared the home.

Peyton Arthur Vaughn, a 21-year-old Great Falls resident, has been arrested and charged with one count of Felony Assault with a Weapon. He has been remanded to the Cascade County Detention Center. The GFPD is not seeking any other suspects at this time, and the scene is clear of law enforcement personnel.