If you’ve been scrolling through your feed looking for the latest billings police news today, you already know the vibe in town is heavy. Between the sirens near Grand Avenue and the constant updates from the Yellowstone County detention logs, it’s a lot to keep track of. Honestly, the biggest story right now isn't just a routine traffic stop or a minor theft; it’s the aftermath of a violent incident at Billings Senior High that has parents and students on edge as they head into finals week.
It’s scary. One minute kids are packing up after school, and the next, the third floor is a crime scene.
The Senior High Stabbing: What We Know Right Now
On Tuesday afternoon, January 13, 2026, things went south fast at 425 Grand Ave. Around 4:23 p.m., after the final bell had already rung for most, a student allegedly attacked a teacher with a knife. But it didn't stop there. By the time the Billings Police Department (BPD) arrived and secured the building, two people—a teacher and a student—were being rushed to the hospital with stab wounds.
Lt. Samantha Puckett has been the point person for the BPD on this. She’s kept things close to the vest, which is typical for an active investigation involving a minor.
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The school was locked down immediately. Classes were canceled Wednesday. If you drove past the school yesterday, it was eerie. No buses, no crowds, just yellow tape and cruisers. The district says the teacher is in stable condition, which is a massive relief, but the emotional damage to the 1,600 students who call that building home is going to take a lot longer to heal. Crisis counselors are on-site today, Thursday, January 15, as students return to start their finals. Talk about a stressful way to end a semester.
Meth Trafficking and Long Sentences
While the high school incident is dominating the billings police news today, federal prosecutors have been busy cleaning up the local drug trade. Just a few days ago, on January 9, a Billings woman was hit with a sentence of over 11 years in federal prison. Why? Methamphetamine. Specifically, over 1,700 grams of pure meth found in a backpack.
The Montana Highway Patrol originally spotted her vehicle about five miles outside of Billings for a simple traffic infraction. It’s wild how often these massive drug busts start with something as boring as a broken taillight or a failure to signal.
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The investigation, part of the broader "Operation Take Back America," revealed text messages dating back to 2023. These weren't just casual users; this was a coordinated effort to move weight from places like Great Falls back into the Billings area. When you see the police reports about "increased patrol presence" on the outskirts of town, this is exactly what they’re looking for.
Other Notable Incidents This Week
- Downtown Violence: A separate stabbing occurred earlier this week in downtown Billings. A man was hospitalized and a woman was taken into custody. It seems like a spike in edge-weapon calls has the department stretched thin.
- Federal Funding Boost: Congressman Troy Downing recently announced over $3.6 million in funding for Montana law enforcement. A chunk of this is destined for Yellowstone County, specifically for upgraded crime scene equipment and communication tools.
- Sentencing for Coercion: A 51-year-old Billings man, Steven Dwyane Scott, was sentenced to 27 years in prison just last week. He was caught in an FBI undercover sting attempting to coerce a minor.
Why the Jail is So Full
If you look at the Yellowstone County inmate list today, January 15, you'll see it's a revolving door of property damage, resisting arrest, and drug possession. For example, a 48-year-old named Jamie Adolphsen was recently booked on charges of intentional damage to property over $2,500 and possession of a controlled substance.
The local jail is at a breaking point. County Commissioner Mike Waters has been vocal about this—law enforcement often lacks the space to hold people for misdemeanors, so they're prioritizing the heavy hitters. This is why you see so many "release on own recognizance" notes in the daily logs for smaller crimes.
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How to Stay Informed and Safe
Staying on top of billings police news today means more than just watching the evening news. The BPD is pretty active on social media, but for the real "boots on the ground" info, you’ve gotta check the city’s official press release portal.
If you’re a parent at Senior High, the district has set up a specific line for crisis support. Use it. Even if your kid says they're "fine," seeing their school on the news with police cordons is a lot to process.
For the rest of us, it pays to be aware of your surroundings, especially in the downtown corridor after dark. The recent uptick in stabbings isn't meant to cause a panic, but it’s a reality of the current crime climate in the Magic City.
Actionable Steps for Billings Residents:
- Monitor the Inmate List: If you’re curious about who was picked up in your neighborhood, the Yellowstone County Detention Facility updates their "Current Inmates" PDF daily.
- Report Tips Anonymously: Use the Billings Crime Stoppers line (406-248-1020) if you have info on the Senior High investigation or the recent downtown incidents.
- School Safety: Ensure your contact information is updated in the Infinite Campus portal for Billings Public Schools to receive real-time emergency alerts.