Gabriel Cowan Metcalf, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in a School Zone, Montana 2024

BILLINGS, Mont. — A Billings man who terrorized parents and school authorities with his armed patrols in the vicinity of an elementary school has been sentenced to three years of probation.

Gabriel Cowan Metcalf, 50, pleaded guilty in March to unlawful possession of a firearm in a school zone, as charged in an indictment.

The defendant’s conduct prompted Broadwater Elementary School to lock down, put up tarping, erect a temporary fence, change where children walked, and request increased police presence.

U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said, “Almost one year ago, just as the school year was scheduled to begin, Broadwater Elementary School was busy taking proactive measures to protect kids from Metcalf and so were our law enforcement partners. Despite multiple attempts to explain to Metcalf that he was in violation of federal law, he continued his habit of armed patrols around his neighborhood and in a school zone.

Metcalf was observed in multiple public areas, including walking down the sidewalk, crossing the street, and walking down a city alley, all within 1,000 feet of the elementary school. On Aug. 17, 2023, law enforcement officers spoke to Metcalf, who admitted to following cars while carrying a firearm, walking to the nearby business and escorting his mother down the street to her shop while carrying a firearm.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, with the Billings Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducting the investigation. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence.

Defendant: Gabriel Cowan Metcalf

Criminal Charges: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in a School Zone

City and State: Billings, Montana

Exact Date: August 2023

Sentence or Outcome: Three years of probation

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/billings-man-sentenced-firearms-crime-after-armed-patrols-sidewalk-elementary-school