Billings police officer Mike Yarina is the brave officer who was hit by 57-year-old Mary White Crane’s bullet.

“She was using what are referred to as slugs. They have a higher intensity and the bullet penetrated Officer Yarina’s ballistic vest,” Chief St. John said Monday.

“Officer Yarina was attempting to deliver White Crane a cell phone for communication with officers after she barricaded herself in her home on Birch Lane.”

Billings Police Chief Rich St. John talks with the media Monday about the standoff on Birch Lane Saturday.
Billings Breaking Mary Beth Dickson at scene of standoff as investigation continues.

Officer Yarina is in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.

“Four other officers have been placed on administrative leave which is a normal procedure after a shooting incident,” said Chief St. John.

White Crane is currently in the Yellowstone County Detention Center on multiple charges including attempted deliberate homicide.

White Crane kept law enforcement on a 14-hour standoff after neighbors reported she was firing pellets into their windows and home interiors.