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Cut Bank Today
By the People, for the People
High-Risk Stop in Fort Benton Leads to Arrests Tied to Cut Bank Homicide Investigation
Two suspects taken into custody in connection with a homicide investigation in Cut Bank, Montana
Published on Feb. 20, 2026
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On February 9, 2026, the Chouteau County Sheriff's Office received a call about a blue Hyundai Elantra with a Montana license plate that matched the description of a vehicle involved in a homicide investigation in Cut Bank, Montana. Deputies located the vehicle in Fort Benton and conducted a high-risk traffic stop, arresting the driver, Natasha Siliezar, and the passenger, Alfred Joseph Smith, without incident. The vehicle was seized for evidence processing as part of the ongoing Cut Bank homicide investigation.
Why it matters
This arrest is a significant development in the Cut Bank homicide investigation, as the suspects were located and apprehended in a different jurisdiction. The high-risk traffic stop and coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies highlights the seriousness of the case and the efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The details
After receiving the call about the suspicious vehicle, Undersheriff Jacques located the Hyundai Elantra as it turned onto Highway 386 in Fort Benton. Sheriff Smith joined the pursuit, and the vehicle pulled into a gas station, where a high-risk traffic stop was conducted. The two occupants, Natasha Siliezar and Alfred Joseph Smith, were removed from the vehicle without incident and taken into custody at the Chouteau County Detention Center. The vehicle was seized and secured for evidence processing as part of the ongoing Cut Bank homicide investigation.
- On February 9, 2026, at approximately 2:32 PM, the Chouteau County dispatch center received a call about the suspicious vehicle.
- At around 2:44 PM, the high-risk traffic stop was conducted, and the two suspects were taken into custody.
The players
Natasha Siliezar
A 46-year-old female who was the driver of the vehicle involved in the incident.
Alfred Joseph Smith
A 43-year-old male who was the passenger in the vehicle involved in the incident.
Undersheriff Jacques
A law enforcement officer who located the vehicle and initiated the traffic stop.
Sheriff Smith
A law enforcement officer who joined the pursuit and assisted with the traffic stop.
Corporal Skunkcap
A law enforcement officer who arrived on the scene and assisted with the arrests.
Deputy Smith
A law enforcement officer who arrived on the scene and assisted with the arrests.
What they’re saying
“Please direct any further questions to the investigating agency Cut Bank Police Department.”
— Justin D. Smith, Sheriff, Chouteau County Sheriff's Office (The Big Sandy Mountaineer)
What’s next
The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to grant bail for Natasha Siliezar and Alfred Joseph Smith, who are being held at the Chouteau County Detention Center in connection with the Cut Bank homicide investigation.
The takeaway
This high-risk traffic stop and arrest of two suspects linked to a homicide investigation in a different jurisdiction highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies to apprehend individuals wanted for serious crimes. The case underscores the importance of information-sharing and coordinated responses across jurisdictions to ensure public safety and bring perpetrators to justice.
