Chase through Great Falls, standoff end in arrest

An attempt to arrest a wanted man led to a high-speed chase across Great Falls and concluded in a brief standoff with law enforcement Tuesday afternoon.

Cascade County Sheriff Bob Edwards said a deputy recognized the suspect, Jason Niccum, who was wanted on a felony probation violation.

Niccum was on probation for burglary, according to Department of Corrections records. He also has charges of forgery, drug possession and theft on his record.

The deputy spotted Niccum in the Giant Springs area, Edwards said. The deputy told him to approach, but Niccum jumped into his blue pickup truck and led the deputy on a chase through Great Falls, with speeds reaching as high as 95 miles per hour, Edwards said.

"Stop sticks were deployed numerous times, resulting in all four tires going flat," he said.

This caused the vehicle to slow down to less than 35 miles per hour and eventually around 15 miles per hour before coming to a stop near the intersection of 2nd Street Northeast and Skyline Drive. The Montana Highway Patrol and the U.S. marshals assisted in the pursuit.

Edwards said Niccum had a butcher knife in the truck with him, and threatened himself after the pursuit ended.

Edwards said a sheriff's detective, Great Falls police officer and U.S. marshal were able to convince Niccum to exit the truck after ensuring the dog in the truck would be safe, and he was arrested without incident.

Adult Probation and Parole conducted a search of the vehicle with the assistance of a GFPD K-9 unit. Edwards said the truck's license plates were removed because at least the rear plate was stolen.

Edwards said Niccum will likely face charges including felony probation violation, alluding a peace officer, numerous traffic violations and possibly a criminal endangerment charge because a female passenger was in the truck during the pursuit. The incident is still under investigation by the sheriff's office.