Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has awarded the Montana Highway Patrol’s highest honor to two troopers who tracked down a wanted Nebraska fugitive near Big Timber last year and shot and killed him after he opened fire on them.
MHP Sergeant Barry Kilpela and Trooper Justin Knapp each received the Award of Valor at a ceremony this week. To qualify for the award, troopers must demonstrate an act of heroism or bravery, knowingly expose themselves to life-threatening peril, or act without regard for personal safety to render aid or protection.
The encounter began on April 3, 2025, when the Montana Highway Patrol received notification that an armed and dangerous suspect was traveling into Montana from Nebraska. The suspect was wanted on a no-bond warrant for threatening to use explosives or place bombs.
Sergeant Kilpela located the suspect’s vehicle in Big Timber and called for backup before approaching. When Trooper Knapp arrived, he attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the suspect refused to pull over, triggering a pursuit. Sergeant Kilpela attempted a Precision Immobilization Technique, known as a PIT maneuver, which was unsuccessful but forced the suspect’s vehicle into a vacant lot and off the public road.
The two troopers then deliberately positioned their patrol vehicles to box in the suspect and end the pursuit. The suspect responded by opening fire through his windshield directly at Trooper Knapp, striking his patrol vehicle. Both troopers returned fire, killing the suspect.
“Without hesitation, they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their fellow Montanans from a dangerous situation and stopped the encounter before it got even worse,” Attorney General Knudsen said.
MHP Colonel Kurt Sager said the troopers acted with extraordinary courage in the face of immediate and deadly danger. “Their teamwork, courage, and integrity represent the highest standard of the law enforcement profession,” Sager said.
