Teen Arrested in Billings Shooting, Woman, 38, Recovering

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A 38-year-old woman is recovering in the hospital after being shot in Billings, Montana on February 18, 2026. Police have arrested a 17-year-old male and charged him with two counts of attempted homicide in connection with the incident.

Why it matters

This shooting incident in Billings raises concerns about youth violence and gun access in the community. The arrest of a juvenile offender also prompts questions about the effectiveness of the youth justice system in addressing serious violent crimes.

The details

Police responded to a report of a shooting around 11:28 p.m. on February 18th in the 3300 block of 1st Avenue North. They found the 38-year-old woman unresponsive with a gunshot wound and transported her to a local hospital. Detectives identified a 17-year-old male as the suspect, who initially fled the scene but was later located and arrested during a traffic stop. The suspect has been charged with two counts of attempted homicide, suggesting more than one person may have been targeted.

• The shooting incident occurred on February 18, 2026 around 11:28 p.m.

What’s next

The suspect's initial court appearance has not yet been scheduled. The case is being handled by the Billings Police Department's detective division, and the County Attorney's office will be responsible for prosecuting the charges.