Man in Wheelchair Pins Robber Until Missoula Police Arrive

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July 28, 2023, Missoula Police Department officers responded to a report of a disturbance at the Eagle Watch Estates. One officer arrived and spoke with a wheelchair-bound male and his 75-year-old caregiver.  

The caregiver told an officer that she was testing the wheelchair lift on the passenger side of a van and had set her purse down several feet away. She reported seeing a few other residents of the complex sitting on a bench and since she knew them, she set her purse on the ground to free her hands while performing a testing on the ramp. 

The caregiver observed 56-year-old Garth Weeks approach her from the front of the van. She said Weeks had initially taken her purse and attempted to run. She said she grabbed her purse, and a physical struggle began. She said Weeks vigorously attempted to remove the purse from her grasp. 

According to court documents, the caregiver reported that other individuals intervened and placed the male on the ground, allowing her to regain full possession of her belongings. She further stated she would have most definitely been injured had the other individuals not assisted her. 

During this time, another officer had also been speaking with the wheelchair-bound male, who stated he had observed the interaction. He said Weeks was attempting to forcibly remove the purse from the caretaker and described the situation as a “tug-of-war.”  

He said Weeks also tried to take the keys to the van, which he owns, from the caretaker’s grasp. He also mentioned that he utilized his wheelchair to pin Weeks to the ground until law enforcement arrived. 

Weeks was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony attempted robbery and a probation violation. On July 31, 2023, Weeks made his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court and his bond was set at $40,000. 

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