BILLINGS –
Hundreds of people lined the streets of Billings as the body of Broadwater County Deputy Mason Moore was transported to Billings for an autopsy on Tuesday afternoon.
Moore was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop near Three Forks Tuesday morning by two suspects who were later arrested after leading law enforcement on a chase.
Lloyd Montier Barrus, 61, is being held on a felony deliberate homicide charge in the Missoula County jail.
The second suspect, 38-year-old Marshall Barrus, was shot in the head during a firefight with law enforcement, is being treated at a hospital.
Moore was a husband and father of three children.
He was a three year veteran of the sheriff’s office.
People in Billings paid respects as the motorcade traveled through the heart of Billings. Many held their hand over their heart, others saluted.
Tears could be seen in the eyes of onlookers. All quietly watched as passing sirens of the escort blared along North 27th Street.
Moore’s autopsy is scheduled to be performed at St. Vincent Healthcare.
Monday is Peace Officer Memorial Day, the first major event in Police Week, which is commemorated May 14-20.
Meanwhile U.S. Senator Steve Daines introduced the Back the Blue Act of 2017 on Tuesday, which would increase penalties for criminals who intentionally target law enforcement officers, and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves.
“Deputy Mason Moore is a brave hero who laid down his life to protect Montanans. We must send a clear message: criminals who look to hurt law enforcement will face the harshest penalties,” Daines stated in a press release. “Crimes committed against our law enforcement will not be tolerated. Montanans can certainly unite around our support for the men and women who go to work every day to keep our communities safe.”
Attorney General Tim Fox also issued a statement of Moore’s death.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of the officer killed today. It’s cruel irony that a law enforcement officer was shot and killed the day after Peace Officers Memorial Day,” Fox stated. “Tragic incidents like this should serve as a reminder to all of us to be thankful every day for those in uniform who serve and protect our communities. I thank all of the law enforcement agencies involved for their efforts today, and I ask all Montanans to reach out to the law enforcement officers in their community, thank them for the work they do, and thank them for the sacrifices they make.”