Gabriel Cowan Metcalf, Illegal Possession of a Firearm within a School Zone, Montana 2023

BILLINGS, MT – A 49-year-old Billings man is behind bars after federal agents say he repeatedly flaunted a firearm near Broadwater Elementary School. Gabriel Cowan Metcalf appeared in federal court Wednesday facing charges of illegal possession of a firearm within a school zone.

According to court documents, the Billings Police Department received a flurry of complaints between August 2nd and August 17th about a man – identified as Metcalf – walking around the 430 Broadwater Ave. area with a gun. Metcalf’s residence is directly across the street from Broadwater Elementary, and the sidewalk and streets in front of his home fall within the 1,000-foot federally-defined “school zone.”

Acting on those complaints, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents executed a search warrant Tuesday night at Metcalf’s residence and took him into custody. The arrest followed a warrant issued by a federal judge. Details of the firearm seized have not been released.

If convicted, Metcalf faces a steep penalty: up to five years in federal prison, a $100,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan determined Metcalf is a flight risk and will remain detained while the case proceeds. The government has yet to detail the nature of the firearm or Metcalf’s alleged intent.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas K. Godfrey is leading the prosecution. The investigation was a joint effort between the ATF and the Billings Police Department. Locals have reportedly expressed relief at the arrest, fearing a potential school shooting. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops.

Metcalf is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Those interested in tracking the case can reference PACER case number 23-130 and monitor the U.S. District Court calendar. Access to PACER requires account setup.

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