Woman’s Crime Spree in Missoula Ends With a Robbery

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July 6, 2024, a Missoula Police Department Officer was assigned to investigate a report from Missoula Pet Emergency Clinic of a fraudulent check in the amount of $315.34. She used a check and the business usually does not do transactions by check unless a person has identification.  

The woman did not have identification, but the veterinarian treated the dog anyway. She provided a phone number associated with Kristy Dennison to the clinic. The check was from a closed account and was not honored by the bank. 

On August 23, 2024, at approximately 3:01 PM, Missoula Police Department officers were dispatched to a home on Burlington Ave. for a report of a burglary that had just occurred. The reporting party said that a female was seen on surveillance video trying to steal construction items. The owner remotely set off an alarm and the female left. Photos of the female were sent around the police department and another officer recognized her as Dennison. On August 25, 2024, an officer located Dennison. 

On August 26, 2024, a person reported that a woman stole her bicycle valued at around $800. It was stolen from the front of her residence the day before at around 11:12 AM. Surveillance video was provided. On September 4, 2024, an officer came across Dennison and spoke with her about the bike theft. At first, she denied it but was told she was captured on video. Then she apologized for the theft.  

The previous three matters were originally filed into Missoula Municipal Court, but Dennison failed to appear for an initial appearance each time. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

On October 20, 2024, Missoula Police Department officers responded to Walmart on U.S. Highway 93 South for a reported robbery. Loss prevention officers reported that a female had been concealing items in a freezer bag and acting frantic, which caught their attention. They watched her pass all points of sale and exit without paying for anything. She had a cart full of items and a red hiking backpack full of merchandise.  

The two loss prevention officers followed her outside and confronted her. The female then said “I have a gun, I will shoot you, don’t be a hero!” One of the loss prevention officers explained that he felt threatened, got behind a trailer in the lot, and had the other loss prevention officer get behind him. They watched the female flee and she repeated that she would shoot them approximately five more times while fleeing.  

Officers Locate Dennison

 While an officer was talking to the loss prevention officers, two other nearby residents reported a woman trespassing in their yards. Officers responded, found the female, and took her into custody.  

When Dennison was located, she was sitting in someone’s backyard smoking a cigarette. She said she did not have enough money to buy everything at Walmart so she took the items. Another man reported that a female trespassed into his yard and left a Walmart cart full of items. The total property amount was approximately $617.36. 

Dennison was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. She is currently being charged with felony burglary, felony robbery, deceptive practices, three counts of theft, and criminal trespass to property.  

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