Suspect identified in Thursday shooting at Sunshine Station

PHILIPSBURG - The Granite County Sheriff's Department has released a statement regarding the officer-involved shooting that occurred at Sunshine Station Thursday night.

The official press release is as follows:

Salvatore Friscia Jr (48), living in the Missoula area, was identified as the deceased person in the Officer involved shooting in Philipsburg. Friscia was transported to the Montana State Crime Lab in Missoula for autopsy. Preliminary investigation indicates drugs may have been a factor regarding the deceased's behavior. Toxicology reports are pending. The Montana Department of Criminal Investigation continues to investigate the matter and upon completion of the investigation the case will be forwarded to the Granite County Attorney’s Office for review. Preliminarily, it appears Sheriff’s Office policy was followed in this indecent. Anaconda Deer Lodge Coroner Jesse Billquist-Jette has taken jurisdiction of the Coroner duties and will conduct a coroner’s inquest in conjunction with the County Attorney’s Office. It is unfortunate this person put the Deputy and innocent citizens lives in jeopardy, and our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the Deputy, his family, the victims treated at the local hospital; and the Friscia’s family in this difficult time.