Man Arrested After Causing Chaos at a Missoula Bar

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - At approximately 11:19 p.m. on August 2, 2024, multiple Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched to a local downtown bar for a report of an assault. The 911 caller reported a male had thrown a traffic cone inside the bar and got into a fight with people. An officer arrived and as he walked through the bar, patrons pointed to the rear entrance stating the male was outside.  

When the officer walked outside, he saw a crowd looking over the railing of the balcony. Then the officer saw two males engaged in a physical altercation. One of the males fit the description given by the 911 caller. The officer physically removed the male and placed him on the ground.  

While on the ground, the male continued to physically resist and not comply with officers’ orders. It required two officers to control the male and secure handcuffs on his wrists. The male was escorted to his feet, searched incident to arrest, and then placed in the back seat of a patrol vehicle.  

After the scene was secured, the officer went back inside the bar to obtain statements. While inside, the officer interviewed an African American male, John Doe. Doe stated the male suspect, who was identified as 25-year-old Stephen Guerra, threw a traffic cone inside the bar hitting one of the staff.

When Guerra was confronted, he called Doe the n-word and a homophobic slur. Doe told the officer that Guerra jumped over the railing of the balcony while he was holding a dog by the leash causing the dog to choke. 

Guerra was confronted again and was told to leave the property. Doe said that’s when Guerra swung on a male named Josh. Another officer spoke with Josh, who stated he was walking into work through the back door of the bar when Guerra approached him and began yelling at him.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

As Josh attempted to walk past, Guerra “swung” on Josh and attempted to physically punch him. Guerra did not strike him, however, Guerra then grabbed Josh by the arm causing a scratch. At this point, multiple other staff members were outside and kept Guerra away from Josh. Shortly after this occurred, Guerra entered the bar with a traffic cone and threw it at the male bouncer. When this occurred, Guerra hit the bouncer and called him the n-word. 

Guerra is currently being charged with felony attempted malicious intimidation or harassment relating to civil or human rights, cruelty to animals, obstructing a peace officer, and disorderly conduct. 

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