Three men were apprehended late Tuesday morning after a routine traffic stop turned into a manhunt on the Jefferson River that involved law enforcement agencies from three counties.

The incident began at about 8:55 a.m. on Tuesday when the Montana Highway Patrol stopped a 2005 Toyota Corolla on Interstate 90 at mile marker 275, about three miles west of Three Forks. The car, occupied by three Hispanic men, had Washington plates and was traveling eastbound. It was reportedly stopped for having illegally tinted windows. 

When authorities stopped the car two of the men got out and fled on foot, according to the Montana Highway Patrol. The third man, who is 36 years old, was then apprehended. Authorities reportedly found a pistol and marijuana during a search of the car.

An officer chased the other two men but was unable to catch them. This prompted a larger search of the area.

A perimeter was set up in the Three Forks area. A Montana Highway Patrol helicopter was dispatched to the scene. Crews also searched the Jefferson River by boat. About 25 officers with six agencies from Gallatin, Broadwater and Jefferson counties responded to the incident.

Schools in Three Forks were put on lockdown during the search. The schools were later reopened after the suspects were located.

By 11 a.m. both men were apprehended.

One of the suspects, an 18-year-old man, was found near edge of Three Forks and was transported to Bozeman Deaconess Hospital for hypothermia.

The other suspect, a 24-year-old man, was found near the river bed. He was reportedly bitten by a law enforcement dog and was taken to Bozeman Deaconess Hospital with injuries.

The man who was apprehended at the car during the stop was transported to the Broadwater County Detention Center.  The other men were also taken to the detention facility in Townsend after they were released from the hospital Tuesday afternoon.

Charges are pending against the men, including multiple drug-related felonies, Montana Highway Patrol Sgt. Jay Nelson said. The men's names have not yet been released.

With the incident taking place near the border of Gallatin and Broadwater counties and with several agencies assisting with the efforts to apprehend the men, Nelson said this is one of best examples of team work he has seen.

- Story written by Erin Yeykal with reporting by Dan Boyce