2 dead in accident in Billings, 1 person arrested

Two people died and one person was arrested following an accident on Friday, September 13, 2024, in Billings.

Billings police said in a news release that officers responded to a report of a disturbance in a parking lot at Broadwater Avenue and 29th Street West shortly before 7 p.m.

As an officer pulled into the parking lot, a suspect's vehicle sped away and continued driving at a high rate of speed across the sidewalk and grass toward Broadwater Avenue.

A second officer began pursuing the suspect vehicle, and at the intersection of Broadwater and 24th Street, the suspect vehicle collided with a northbound vehicle. Both vehicles then collided with a third vehicle.

The person then ran away in the suspect's vehicle and was caught and arrested by police in the 1800 block of Wyoming Avenue.

According to the press release, the suspect was identified as 32-year-old Ricky Buchanan.

The two occupants of the first vehicle hit died at the scene. Their names have not yet been released.

The four people in the third vehicle were all taken to hospital; their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Authorities are continuing to investigate and charges are pending against Buchanan based on the results of the investigation.

No further details have been announced at this time. We will let you know as soon as we receive more information.

This is the second fatal crash involving a person fleeing from police in Billings in the last week. Jimmy Joe Flanagan has been charged with causing the death of motorcyclist Julian Wolf as he fled from police officers – click here for more information.