Missoula Man Steals Buzz Balls, Arrested for Theft and Drugs

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 19, 2026, a Missoula Police Department Officer was dispatched to a theft that occurred at the Albertson’s at 1003 East Broadway. The complainant, an employee of Albertson’s, reported that two males had just stolen some Buzz Ball alcoholic beverages.  

The employee said one male was wearing a Los Angeles Lakers jersey and white shorts, while the other male was wearing a black sweatshirt and jeans. The employee said the males fled towards the University of Montana.  

The officer located a male, later identified as 54-year-old Leslie Lambert, at the Van Buren footbridge. The officer noticed that the male was shirtless, but holding a plastic shopping bag with a Los Angeles Lakers jersey and unopened buzz balls alcoholic containers inside. Lambert was detained. Meanwhile, a University of Montana Police Officer located the other male, who admitted he stole the buzz balls. 

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Lambert was given Miranda. When asked if he understood his rights, Lambert called the officer a “little c**t” and a “red-headed b***h.” Lambert was arrested for theft. The officer was able to view surveillance from Albertson’s and confirmed Lambert and the other male were the suspects of the theft. The value of the stolen buzz balls did not exceed $1,500.  

Lambert was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. While at the jail, Lambert was booked. Jail staff conducted a search of Lambert. A jail officer located a white pill on Lambert’s person. The officer researched the pill on drugs.com pill identifier and determined the pill was Gabapentin, a controlled substance. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Lambert is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and theft. 

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