A Break-in Leads to a Surprising Arrest in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 14, 2025, at approximately 6:16 AM, Missoula Police Department officers were dispatched to a suite in a building located in the 1800 block of South Avenue West. The complainant called to report that he had a commercial property and believed someone was trying to break in. He explained that one of his tenants was on scene and was relaying this information to him.  

The suspect claimed they had a sublease, but they were not authorized to be on the property anymore. The suspect was also alleged to have unlawfully remained in the building the night prior and slept inside, which is how he was inside this morning, which was a violation of the building’s lease conditions.  

Several Officers responded to the scene and went to the 4th floor, where it was believed the suspect was actively breaking into an office. Once the team got to the top of the stairs, several loud commands were given identifying themselves as the Missoula Police Department and ordering the occupants of the Suite to make themselves known. An officer noticed that it appeared the door had been completely removed, and even the hinges on the door frame were missing.  

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Officers Enter the Suite 

After multiple commands were given without response, officers made their way into the Suite. An officer briefly saw a male who immediately disappeared around the corner of the door frame into the office. This person was then ordered to come out with their hands up. The male did not comply. 

Officers continued to give the male orders to exit the office, but he continued to argue and refused. Officers informed him that they were investigating a burglary and continued to give him orders to come out, but he continued to refuse to comply. The male was then warned that if he continued not to comply with instructions to exit the office safely, force would be used against him. The male continued to refuse to comply and verbalized that he was “not going to come out”.  

The male was then informed that he was under arrest for obstructing a police officer. The arrest team then moved in, grabbed hold of the male, and placed him into custody. However, he continued to passively resist efforts to arrest. The male was later identified as 41-year-old Gabriel Stephens. It was later learned that Stephens had warrants for his arrest, and at least one was confirmed out of Gallatin County. 

Officer Discover Evidence of the Burglary 

While searching Stephens incident to arrest, a gold door hinge and screws were discovered in his left pocket. An officer asked Stephens if the hinge and the screws found in his pocket were from the door he removed upstairs, and he stated they were. 

Officers further discovered that the complainant had all the locks to the Suite changed in an attempt to keep Stephens out of the offices, as they had been trying to remove him for some time. Officers learned that Stephens had followed one of the therapists who had a key to the suite and then somehow made entry into an office. 

Officers continued the investigation by contacting the property manager. It was discovered in July that Stephens had subleased an office in the suite and had removed the previously installed locks and installed a deadbolt. It was clear from the manager’s perspective that Stephens was using his commercial lease as a residence, which was in violation of the building’s lease terms. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Stephens was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony burglary. His bond was set at $20,000. 

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