Tyler Leslie Obituary – Tyler Leslie, 30, of Helena has been identified as the individual who was killed on January 18 in Broadwater County during a pursuit with law enforcement. Broadwater County Sheriff Nick Rauser stated that Leslie died from multiple blunt-force injuries. The Montana Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that its Division of Criminal Investigation is currently looking into the incident.
The fatal collision occurred when Leslie’s vehicle collided head-on with a Broadwater County sheriff’s deputy vehicle. Before the pursuit, Leslie was involved in a hit-and-run crash in Helena and was observed by witnesses swerving on the road and crashing into a snowbank. A complaint was filed with the MHP, and a “good Samaritan” assisted in pulling Leslie’s vehicle out of the snowbank before law enforcement arrived. Once law enforcement arrived, Leslie fled the scene, prompting the pursuit. The Montana Highway Patrol initiated the chase at approximately 3:15 p.m., with Leslie heading south on U.S. Highway 287. Broadwater County Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Reynolds, who was identified as the deputy involved in the crash, responded to assist. Reynolds activated his emergency lights upon seeing Leslie approaching and attempted to avoid the collision. However, Leslie swerved towards the deputy, resulting in a head-on collision near Winston.
Deputy Reynolds managed to exit his vehicle on his own and was transported to the hospital. Fortunately, he was later released with minor injuries. Sheriff Rauser confirmed that Reynolds is recovering well and has been assigned light duty in the office for the time being. Reynolds has been with the department since May and has prior experience of a few years.