GFPD Suspicious Activity Near Schools 9/13/2023

September 13, 2023
Suspicious Activity Near Schools

GREAT FALLS, Montana – September 11, 2023 at about 12:30pm, officers were dispatched to investigate a complaint about a suspicious person near Holy Spirit Catholic School (2820 Central Ave). The complainant reported a male driving slowly through the school area, creating concern. School staff further provided information that they received information from students that the same male, in the same vehicle, was seen on previous dates and times, at different schools. A school employee captured photographs of the driver and the vehicle, a 2007 silver Chevrolet Silverado. They provided the information to responding officers and, a short time later, officers contacted the male. Officer quickly determined the male, identified as Alan Whitmire a 60 year-old Great Falls resident, had no legitimate business near any school properties.

The next day, September 12, 2023 at 12:45pm, dispatchers received a call complaint about the same male driving the same vehicle, in the area of Holy Spirit Catholic School. Dispatchers were also told the male confronted the school staff member who took the photos the previous day.

Officers were alerted to the incident and dispatched to investigate further. The School Resource Officer assigned to Great Falls High, located Whitmire a short time later, he was arrested and charged with Resisting Arrest and Stalking, both misdemeanors.

GFPD has no information that Whitmire has had close contact with any school children. However, it is believed he has been driving around schools throughout Great Falls, in a vehicle that is easily recognizable, and possibly playing children’s type music loudly. Officers learned some children refer to Whitmire’s vehicle as the “Bigfoot” truck, because it has two stickers of a Bigfoot silhouette on the tailgate.

If community members have suspicious activity to report, involving Whitmire or his vehicle, GFPD is encouraging community members to contact Detective Munkres at 406-455-8509.

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER: Doug Mahlum, LT 406-455-8522