Wanted Man Caught Snooping Around Missoula Apartments

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On February 11, 2024, a Missoula Police Department Officer was dispatched to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the 4200 block of Birdie Ct. The 911 caller reported that he had received a notification from his property management regarding suspicious cars in the area that were checking cars at night.  

The complainant reported that when he got home, he observed a suspicious vehicle near the apartments. He reported there was an occupant in the vehicle wearing a hoodie with the hood up and a mask. He stated he was not familiar with the vehicle, did not believe it belonged at the apartments, and requested additional patrol. 

An Officer Responds to the Area 

An officer responded to the area and observed the vehicle. As the officer approached the vehicle, a male exited and began walking towards an apartment building. The officer exited his patrol car and called out to the male. The officer informed the male of the reason for contact and the male claimed he wasn’t doing anything wrong. 

According to court documents, the male said he was going to his friend’s apartment but could not state what apartment number he was going to. When asked for his name, the male initially stated David and upon further inquiry, provided the last name of Cummings. The provided name was run through dispatch and returned with several returns. The officer asked the male for his middle name and date of birth, the male stated his middle name was Allen and provided a date of birth. The officer was informed by dispatch that this information was not on file. 

Officers Continue to Try to Identify the Suspect 

The male also stated his driver’s license was out of Missouri and upon request to dispatch, this again returned not on file. Another officer arrived and said to check the name David Allen Compton. The officer found Compton’s booking photo to be a match for the male and positively identified him. 

Dispatch advised the officer that Compton had several outstanding warrants for his arrest. Compton was placed under arrest for the warrants and obstructing a peace officer. Court documents indicate Compton apologized for lying and stated he did so because he knew he had warrants.  

The officer conducted a search incident to arrest and discovered a small clear plastic baggie which contained methamphetamine. Before taking Compton to the jail, officers observed a suspected methamphetamine bong in the vehicle Compton occupied. The vehicle was seized and is pending a search warrant. 

Compton is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and obstructing a peace officer. On February 12, 2024, Compton 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.