A local deputy recently was formally reprimanded for actions in January while off-duty at Grandstand Sports Bar and Casino. The move follows the suspension of an off-duty police officer who was at the same venue.
One man knees a car while two others stand nearby at Montana’s Grandstand Sports Bar and Casino, pictured above. One of the men is a deputy and the other a police officer. Their actions led to departmental discipline. (Image: KTVQ)The deputy, identified as Yellowstone County Sheriff s Department Sgt. Brandon Smart, also cannot have special duties for a year. In addition, he will attend ethics and conduct training.
The sheriff’s office ruled Smart violated the department’s ethics and conduct rules. Earlier, Billings police officer Matt Frank was suspended for two weeks without pay for the same incident.
Quickly Escalating IncidentThe incident took place on Jan. 15. Frank and Smart were socializing at the bar with some other individuals. The duo and a third person went out into the venue’s parking lot. Louis Delgado, 24, was driving a Chevy Malibu and apparently trying to exit the lot.
Delgado screamed at the men to move. Get the f*** out of the way,” he said, according to reports from KTVQ, a local TV station reported.
Then, one of them yelled back, Really. Or what?
Frank allegedly pushed his knee into the driver’s side door. Delgado then warned them he had a gun.
Don t pull a f***ing gun, you f***ing idiot. Are you f***ing kidding me? one of the men yelled in response.
The situation escalated. Smart allegedly punched Delgado. Delgado then pulled out a firearm and a struggle took place as Smart reached for the gun.
Smart pulled back leading police to first suspect he was hit by a bullet fragment. But a later review of the video showed he was hit in the mouth by the butt of the firearm. No weapon ever was fired.
Driver Suffered Serious InjuriesDelgado sped away from the scene. Police officers, who were told he had shot the injured deputy, later pursued him. He eventually drove into a utility pole. He suffered serious injuries after his car rolled over. He was hospitalized for three days.
In total, at least two dozen officers either responded to the casino lot or the scene of the crash. The incident is still under investigation.
