Trespasser Returns to Missoula Home and Tries to Steal Items

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - At approximately 5:12 p.m. on August 13, 2023, two Missoula County Sheriff’s Office deputies and two sergeants responded to a residence in the 200 block of Speedway Ave. for a report of a burglary call. The reporting party stated a male was digging through a trash can and entered the residence. The caller stated the owner of the residence was not home.  

Upon arrival, a deputy approached the area and observed the male in between the house and the detached garage. The male was attempting to stuff items into a barbecue cover. The deputy announced his presence to the male stating, “Sheriff’s Office.” The male looked at the deputy and placed both hands in the air.  

The deputy told the male to lay face down on the grass with his arms out like an airplane. The male, later identified as 36-year-old Shane Stamper, complied. Another deputy arrived and placed Stamper into handcuffs.   

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A deputy contacted the homeowner who was not on scene. The deputy asked her if anyone was allowed on her property or inside her residence. The owner said no one was authorized to be on her property or inside her residence. She also mentioned that she was having problems with a homeless male entering her garage. She had made a report of this concern earlier on the same day.  

The owner arrived on the scene to walk through the garage and house to see if anything was damaged or stolen. She and another male, who also resided there, walked through the house and stated several of their belongings had been rummaged through. She stated a window on the northeast side of the residence was left open, but she observed the screen had been removed and was broken. 

Both individuals continued to walk through the residence and the only items missing were books belonging to the male. He also said Stamper was sitting on their front porch about a week ago and refused to leave when he told him to do so. Both discussed their options and decided to report the issue to the police. Stamper was trespassed from the property per the request of the owner. 

Stamper was placed under arrest and transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony burglary, criminal mischief, and attempted theft. 

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