A small neighborhood dispute in San Francisco turned deadly when musician Brian Montana engaged police in a fierce gun battle.
At a Glance
- Brian Montana, ex-guitarist for Possessed, killed in police standoff.
- Dispute began over tree debris, escalating to a shootout.
- Montana used multiple firearms during 25-minute standoff.
- No officers injured; two on paid leave after returning fire.
Escalation from Dispute to Disaster
Brian Montana, formerly a guitarist for the death metal band Possessed, was killed in a police shootout following an altercation over yard debris. The 60-year-old engaged in a violent exchange with law enforcement after a neighborly spat over tree branches spiraled out of control. San Francisco streets witnessed chaos as police were compelled to respond to Montana’s armed resistance with tactical measures.
Montana utilized a variety of firearms including a handgun, shotgun, and rifle, taking cover behind parked cars and landscaping for nearly half an hour. Police, arriving at the scene in response to reports of gunfire, found Montana already shooting into an occupied house, escalating the urgency of their response.
No Easy End
The gun battle lasted around 25 minutes, during which officers used patrol cars as shields. The standoff ended as two officers returned fire, striking Montana, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities report that no officers were injured, but one neighbor suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
“[Montana] fired multiple times at officers using a handgun, shotgun, and rifle … Officers used patrol cars as cover and returned fire. The suspect was struck and ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene” – SSFPD.
The involvement of alcohol was reported to be a contributing factor in the chain of events. Despite the high tension, the officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation by the South San Francisco Police Department and the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.
Investigative Proceedings and Community Impact
The tragic event is subject to ongoing investigation, and the police department plans to release additional information, including audio and video recordings, to piece together the sequence of the confrontation. Brian Montana was a key figure in the death metal scene during the 1980s, and his band, Possessed, recently acknowledged his passing on social media.
“Possessed RIP Brian Montana” – Possessed.
Neighbors continue to grapple with the shockwaves of the incident. One nearby resident lamented, “It’s tragic that even that individual, again, he tried to resolve a situation the wrong way.” The volatile mix of personal grievances and firearms led to a crossover of music history into a deeply unfortunate narrative of violence.
