Intoxicated Man Fires Shotgun Near Fishermen in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 15, 2025, a sergeant and corporal with the Missoula County Sheriff's Office responded to the area of Deep Creek Road and Big Flat. It was reported that a male in a GMC pickup truck had fired shots at a group of people who were fishing in the area. The report came from a male, John Doe. 

The sergeant initially responded to Harper’s Bridge Fishing Access off Mullan Road, where he found several people recreating. While he did not locate Doe in that area, several bystanders informed him that they had heard gunshots from across the river. The sergeant then called Doe, who advised that he was waiting for deputies on Deep Creek Road, across from the fishing access.  

Doe explained that he and his fiancé were fishing on the bank of the river. His fiancé's brother was also present. The trio arrived at approximately 7:00 pm. Approximately 30 minutes later, the trio observed the suspect vehicle pulling into the same area. A male exited the vehicle and appeared to "be on something” based on his behavior.  

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Suspect Threatens Trio 

The suspect kept getting closer to the trio, so the trio kept moving down the riverbank to avoid him. The suspect then began kicking at the trio’s fishing net, and Doe told the male to “get lost” or to “f**k off.” The suspect responded by going back to his truck and yelling, “If you don’t know who I am, you’re about to find out.”  

Doe explained that the suspect then pulled a black pump-style shotgun from the truck and fired several rounds into the air and a bush. Doe explained that when this happened, he became scared the suspect would begin shooting them, and that he believed the suspect would harm them.  

While the sergeant was speaking with Doe, the corporal made contact with the suspect, who was later identified as 39-year-old Jordan Buyce. As the corporal was placing Buyce in handcuffs, he observed the odor of alcohol emanating from Buyce’s person. The corporal also observed that Buyce had bloodshot and watery eyes and that his speech was slurred. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Buyce Admitted to Firing Shots 

According to court documents, Buyce admitted that he fired his shotgun into a bush but denied pointing it at anyone. Buyce was arrested and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility to continue a DUI investigation.  

Buyce admitted to consuming “one or two margarita beer drinks.” Buyce agreed to participate in the Standard Field Sobriety Tests. The corporal observed 12 out of 18 clues of impairment. Then Buyce consented to a preliminary breath test, which measured a 0.147 BrAC. He is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon and DUI second offense. 

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