The Associated Press: Mont. manhunt for former militia leader in 3rd day
A manhunt continued Tuesday in a western Montana forest for a former militia leader accused of firing on Missoula County deputies and then fleeing into the woods, where authorities say they’ve found caches of weapons, food and gear.
Missoula County Undersheriff Mike Dominick said ex-convict David Burgert, 47, appears to have had a plan following the exchange of gunfire Sunday along a logging trail after a slow-speed chase near Lolo on U.S. Highway 12.
Dominick said police found a second vehicle in the area loaded with ammunition and food and are searching for a third vehicle they believe Burgert might also be using.
Officials involved in the search believe Burgert might have been able to escape the area in that vehicle, a 1987 Jeep Wagoneer, Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry said.
Burgert is the former leader of a Flathead County militia group known as Project 7, named for the number “7” on Flathead County license plates in Montana. Project 7 allegedly plotted to assassinate local officials, go to war with the National Guard and overthrow the federal government.
“I could best describe him as a bully,” Curry said. “He’s one of those people you’re constantly dealing with — confrontations with law enforcement, confrontations with neighbors.”