Havre chief asks Great Falls PD to investigate complaint

Havre Police Chief Kevin Olson asked the Great Falls Police Department to investigate a disturbance at a local tavern that involved two off-duty members of Olson's department.

Olson said in a press release today that the results of the investigation have been forwarded to Blaine County Attorney Yvonne Laird. Laird has yet to complete her review of the case, Olson said in the release.

Laird could not be reached for comment this morning.

Olson said a complaint was filed with Havre police early on Feb. 16 about the disturbance. The complaint, filed by the ex-spouse of one of the police department members involved, alleged that the two off-duty members of the department "verbally confronted their party in an inappropriate manner," the press release said.

"Upon confirmation that a disturbance did occur, with off-duty members of the Havre Police Department, it was determined that an investigation was warranted," Olson's press release said.

Olson asked the Great Falls department to investigate to avoid an appearance of favoritism or bias, Olson said.

The chief said it was decided that Laird would be appointed special prosecutor to review any findings and decide if prosecution was warranted.