Altercation Involving Tent Dweller and Aggressor in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - At approximately 2:40 p.m. on April 18, 2024, a Missoula Police Department Officer received a report of a disturbance at Dakota St. and N. California St. The reporting party stated a male attempted to assault his friend and his friend was holding the male down.  

The officer began walking eastbound on the Milwaukee Trail and observed two males approximately 500 feet south of the trail. John Doe, who the officer recognized from a prior call for service earlier in the day, had several pieces of grass and dirt in his hair and on his shirt consistent with being in an altercation.  

Doe stated he was sitting at his tent after being moved from his prior location earlier in the day. The officer observed Doe’s tent was a distance from the residences on N. California and appeared to be an easement, not owned by any resident in the area. Doe stated while sitting at his tent, he was approached by an unknown male with a 2x4 and then a “stick.” That male was identified as 66-year-old William Webster. 

According to court documents, Webster approached Doe, told him to leave, and cursed at him. Doe stated he told Webster he could be at the location, and Webster hit him with the weapon on the lower right side of his torso. Doe showed the officer where he was hit, and the officer observed an area of bruising approximately six inches in length on Doe’s right side. The officer also observed small cuts that were actively bleeding on Doe’s lower back.  

After being hit, Doe said he took Webster to the ground. While on the ground, Webster stated that he was going to go get his gun and gas can. While still on the ground, Doe said Webster calmed down. Doe spoke with Webster about how he would been a good neighbor and not cause issues, and Webster agreed to let him stay.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Doe went to his tent and obtained the item he was hit with. The officer observed the “stick” was a solid piece of 2x2 lumber approximately 33 inches in length. One end of the lumber had been modified to make a round smooth handle specifically so the item could be held and swung efficiently. 

Webster was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.