(Cascade County, MT) – Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter reports that on September 6, 2025, deputies with the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched for a report of a female who had been shot.
Upon arrival, deputies located a 17-year-old female suffering from a gunshot wound. Deputies immediately began providing emergency medical care before the victim was transported to Benefis Emergency Department. The gunshot wound was to the neck and chest area and resulted in a collapsed lung.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was attending a gathering at shop, and while at the location, a physical altercation occurred involving the suspect, who has been identified as Lorne Douglas-Edward Nichols.
During a confrontation, Nichols fired two rounds from a handgun. One round went through the wall of the shop, striking the 17 year old in the neck.
Later that Morning, Nichols contacted Cascade County Dispatch, identified himself as the shooter, and reported that the dispute stemmed from accusations that someone had taken his firearm magazine. Deputies and detectives located Nichols a short time later at Jaycee Park in Great Falls. The firearm and loaded magazine were recovered, and Nichols was taken into custody without further incident.
Nichols has been booked into the Cascade County Detention Center on the following charge: Felony Criminal Endangerment. The investigation is ongoing.
