Truck Thief Spits in Missoula Officer’s Face, Tries to Knee Him

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 22, 2023, at approximately 9:28 a.m., a Missoula Police Department officer spoke with a male regarding a stolen vehicle. The male stated that a 2001 Chevy Silverado had just been stolen from the parking lot of their business.

The Silverado was parked and running at the time of the theft. The male reported that the Silverado contained approximately $10,000 worth of construction tools and a Wells Fargo checkbook. None of the employees of the business saw who stole the Silverado. 

At 11:14 a.m. that same day, Dispatch received a call from the male advising that his friend located the stolen Silverado parked on Burton Street. Officers responded to that location and spoke with the male and two others who explained that many of the tools had been removed from the Silverado. 

Officer Speaks With a Witness

An officer spoke with a witness who observed a suspect male park the Silverado in its current location, exit the vehicle, and then walk down an alley. The witness described the suspect as bald with “lots of tattoos.” Officers canvassed the area looking for the male. At one point, an officer spoke with a female at her camp who stated that her friend, Frank Dunn, matched the description of the suspect. She also mentioned that Dunn has been staying at the Citi Lodge Motel. 

Officers started walking toward Citi Lodge Motel to investigate when a bald male with myriad tattoos emerged from the bushes on the east side of Burton Street. The male identified himself as 44-year-old Frank Dunn. Officers asked Dunn to accompany them to the stolen truck. Once there, the owner of the Silverado informed the officer that Dunn was holding his green, metal water bottle, which had been inside the truck prior to the theft. 

Dunn Resists Arrest

An officer informed Dunn that he was under arrest. Dunn responded, “No I’m not” and sprinted away from the officers. Officers pursued Dunn on foot. As Dunn reached a walking trail, he caught his foot on a curb and fell to the ground. The officers attempted to restrain Dunn, but he physically struggled against them.  

During the altercation, Dunn thrust his elbow forward and struck an officer in the forehead. When the officers finally took Dunn into custody, they located a set of keys and several Wells Fargo checks in his pocket. The owner of the truck confirmed that the keys and checks belonged to him. 

An officer transported Dunn to the hospital for medical clearance. At St. Patrick's Hospital, Dunn yelled at staff, using abusive and profane language. Dunn then made the officer and two Hospital security guards “half carry” him to the officer’s patrol vehicle.  

Dunn Continues to be Combative

Once there, the officer attempted to buckle Dunn’s seatbelt. According to court documents, Dunn spit in the officer’s face and attempted to knee the officer in the groin several times. On the drive to jail, Dunn called the officer and the officer’s wife derogatory names. 

Dunn is currently being charged with felony theft, assault with a bodily fluid, and resisting arrest. On August 23, 2023, Dunn made his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court and his bond was set at $25,000. 

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