Montana deputies still pursuing leads on fugitive

MISSOULA — Missoula County Sheriff's deputies are still pursuing leads in the hunt for David Burgert, the former militia leader who is accused of shooting at deputies this week.

The sheriff's department said Friday it was patrolling the Petty, Graves and Howard Creek areas of Lolo National Forest west of Missoula.

Burgert fled into the forest after exchanging shots with deputies on Sunday following a car chase. Police say he may be hiding in the mountains along the Montana-Idaho border.

Burgert once led an anti-government militia in northwestern Montana known as Project 7. It was broken up after he was arrested in 2002 on weapons charges. He spent eight years in federal prison before being released in March 2010.

Officers have recovered two Jeeps registered to Burgert. Both contained ammunition.